Liberty Bell cracked while rung for George Washington's birthday

Background. The Liberty Bell, originally known as the State House Bell, was located in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House. It was rung on significant occasions, including Independence Day and Washington's Birthday. The bell acquired its distinctive large crack sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Historical authorities agree the damage occurred between 1817 and 1846, likely toward the end of this period.

Cracking Incident. In February 1846, the Public Ledger reported that the bell was rung on February 23, the day following Washington's Birthday. Around noon on that date, it was discovered that the ringing was extending the crack. The newspaper stated that the bell now hung in the city steeple irreparably cracked and forever dumb.

Historical Claims. A widespread story claims the bell cracked while ringing after the death of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835. Other claims suggest damage occurred during ceremonies for Lafayette in 1824 or while announcing the British Roman Catholic Relief Act in 1829. David Kimball suggests the bell most likely cracked between 1841 and 1845 during ringing on Independence Day or Washington's Birthday.