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Symbols of U.S. Government:
The Liberty Bell

The Liberty BellThe Liberty Bell has become the symbol of freedom in the United States. It rang when the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence.

The Bell was cast in London, England in 1752. It is made mostly of copper and tin. After it arrived in the U.S., the Bell cracked. A new bell was made from the metal in the old one, but this one also cracked. A third bell was built from the same metal, and now this one has a crack too!

The last time the bell rang was on February 23, 1846 for George Washington's birthday celebration. Today, the Liberty Bell hangs in Philadelphia for all to see.

For more information, check out the National Park Service.