What was the Liberty Bell originally called before its independence-era nickname?

The Liberty Bell was originally called the State House Bell.

The bell was commissioned in 1752 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly for the Pennsylvania State House, the building now known as Independence Hall. Its original function was civic: it could summon lawmakers, announce public meetings, and signal important proclamations.

The name “Liberty Bell” became popular much later, particularly through abolitionist publications in the 1830s. The bell’s fame also grew because of its association with the Declaration of Independence and the public reading held in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Historians consider it likely that the bell rang, though no contemporary record specifically identifies it.

The bell’s famous crack is another source of popular stories. Its precise origin is uncertain, and the claim that it cracked while ringing after a particular event is not securely documented. Today it is displayed in the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia.