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The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence located in Philadelphia. Originally placed in the steeple of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell today is located across the street from the Liberty Bell Center. The bell was commissioned in 1752 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly from the London-based firm Lester and Pack, and was cast with the words "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof". It cracked when rung after its arrival in Philadelphia, and was twice recast by local workmen John Pass and John Stow, whose surnames appear on the bell. It is likely that the Liberty Bell was among the bells in Philadelphia to ring on July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was first read to the public, although no contemporary account exists. It acquired its distinctive large crack sometime in the first half of the 19th century—a widespread story claims it cracked while ringing after the death of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835. (Full article...)