How Was the Liberty Bell Cracked?

The Liberty Bell—a well-known symbol of freedom, originally commissioned by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly in 1751—has cracked multiple times during its history. The bell’s first crack happened almost immediately after its arrival in Philadelphia. Cast in London and delivered in 1752, the bell cracked during its initial testing. This early mishap led to the bell being recast twice in Philadelphia before it was finally hung in the State House steeple in 1753. The bell’s early fragility set the stage for its storied history of cracks and repairs.

Traditions holds that another notable crack occurred in 1835, during the funeral of Chief Justice John Marshall. The bell supposedly cracked while tolling in his honor. This incident added to the bell’s legacy, as it was already becoming a symbol of American freedom and independence. The bell’s association with significant historical events only grew stronger with each crack and repair.

The most famous and final crack happened on George Washington’s birthday in 1846. During this celebration, the bell was rung, and it cracked irreparably. This final crack rendered the bell unringable, and it was permanently removed from the State House steeple in 1852. The bell’s inability to ring only added to its mystique and symbolic power.