Liberty Bell
On the lawn of the New Hampshire State House stands a bell that carries a very specific and nationally connected meaning.
This is a replica of the Liberty Bell.
In 1950, to mark the 175th anniversary of American Independence, the U.S. Treasury partnered with the American Legion to commission and distribute exact replicas of the Liberty Bell to every state and territory. Each one was cast to closely resemble the original in Philadelphia, including the famous crack.
The purpose was not simply decorative. These bells were placed as symbols of freedom, unity and civic responsibility, reminding each state of its connection to the founding of the nation.
The New Hampshire bell was placed at the State House so it would sit at the center of the state’s civic life. Unlike the original Liberty Bell, these replicas were intended to be functional bells.
Over the years, the bell has been rung on patriotic and commemorative occasions including Independence Day, Memorial Day and Veteran Day ceremonies.
This is not just a bell, it is a reminder, placed here intentionally, to share the ideals of the nation.
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