What was the Liberty Bell originally called before its modern name became popular?

The Liberty Bell was originally called the State House Bell before its modern name became popular.

The bell was commissioned in 1751 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly for the bell tower of the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. That building is now known as Independence Hall. Its original civic role was to summon lawmakers and announce public meetings, proclamations, and emergencies.

The bell was cast in London and arrived in Philadelphia in 1752. It cracked during an early test and was recast twice by local founders John Pass and John Stow. Their names appear on the bell, along with the inscription drawn from Leviticus: “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land.”

Abolitionist groups helped popularize the name Liberty Bell in the 1830s. The bell became a national symbol of independence and liberty, although there is no contemporary proof that it rang on July 4, 1776. It is now displayed in the Liberty Bell Center across from Independence Hall.