Welcome to the Birthplace of the United States of America
The most recognizable part of Independence Hall today is its 168 foot tall bell tower. Designed by William Strickland in 1828, this tower replaced an earlier tower that was demolished in 1781.
This tower replaced the 120 foot original tower that housed the Pass and Stow bell (now known as the Liberty Bell) but no clocks. By 1774, the tower had fallen into disrepair and in 1781, it was demolished.
In 1828, architect William Strickland designed a new tower. Although not an exact reproduction of the original tower, Strickland's design evoked the original 18th century design.
Strickland's tower differed in that it incorporated a clock with faces on four sides. To accommodate the weights for the Isaiah Lukens clockworks inside, the steeple rose to greater heights than the earlier 1750s tower. The Strickland tower originally housed the Wilbank bell and Lukens clock. Both were replaced in 1876. Read more about the bells and clocks of Independence Hall. In 1926, an electric winder was added to the Seth Thomas clock. Before that, the clocks were wound by hand.
The 1828 weathervane still sits atop the tower today.
Welcome to the Birthplace of the United States of America
The most recognizable part of Independence Hall today is its 168 foot tall bell tower. Designed by William Strickland in 1828, this tower replaced an earlier tower that was demolished in 1781.
This tower replaced the 120 foot original tower that housed the Pass and Stow bell (now known as the Liberty Bell) but no clocks. By 1774, the tower had fallen into disrepair and in 1781, it was demolished.
In 1828, architect William Strickland designed a new tower. Although not an exact reproduction of the original tower, Strickland's design evoked the original 18th century design.
Strickland's tower differed in that it incorporated a clock with faces on four sides. To accommodate the weights for the Isaiah Lukens clockworks inside, the steeple rose to greater heights than the earlier 1750s tower. The Strickland tower originally housed the Wilbank bell and Lukens clock. Both were replaced in 1876. Read more about the bells and clocks of Independence Hall. In 1926, an electric winder was added to the Seth Thomas clock. Before that, the clocks were wound by hand.
The 1828 weathervane still sits atop the tower today.