The Liberty Bell is one of the most iconic and historical symbols of the United States of America.
So how much does the Liberty Bell weigh?
The Liberty Bell weighs in at 2,080 pounds (900 kg).
It stands three feet in height and has a circumference of six feet 11 inches at the crown and twelve feet around its lip.
Crafted in London, England in 1752, the Liberty Bell was installed in the Pennsylvania State House. That building is now called Independence Hall.
What is the Liberty Bell made of?
It is made from many different metals. These include bronze, copper, tin, gold, arsenic, zinc and silver.
It also features a yolk that is crafted out of American elm and this yoke weighs 100 pounds.
What was the Liberty Bell first called?
Initially, it was called the ‘State House Bell’. But, it was given its current name of the ‘Liberty Bell’ by abolitionists who were trying to stop slavery in the United States.
Today, the bell resides in the Liberty Bell Center. It sits in Independence National Historical Park.
How did the bell get its infamous crack?
No one is for sure today.
Speculation is that it was cracked when it was first tested after arriving in the United States.
What is the meaning?
Over the years, the Liberty Bell has become a symbol for freedom. It has played a role in many cultural and historical changes in the United States.
Many historical events that have changed the United States and the world are associated with this famous bell. They include the United States Declaration of Independence and the abolition of slavery.
It was even used as a symbol of peace to unite the country after the American Civil War in the 1800’s.
~ Fun Fact ~
Visitors can view the Liberty Bell for free at the Liberty Bell Center. It is open to the public every day of the year except for Christmas Day. It attracts over a million visitors annually.In 1976 there was a huge increase in the number of people who came to visit the bell. It was due to the bicentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence. Over 3.2 million people came to see the Liberty Bell that year!
Resources:
https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-liberty-bell
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Bell
http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/facts.html