Last updated: January 13, 2026
Article
Join or Die Sculpture
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The sculpture will be located near the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets on Independence Mall.
Project Overview
A new feature is coming to the Liberty Bell Center Block of Independence Mall. The National Park Service is pleased to announce the installation of a large stone sculpture inspired by Benjamin Franklin's iconic 1754 "JOIN OR DIE" cartoon—an early political cartoon in American history, calling for unity among the colonies.
This 46-foot-long sculpture will feature segmented pieces of a snake, representing the original colonies. The sculpture will be accompanied by interpretive panels that explore themes of both unity and independence.
Work on this project will begin soon, and we look forward to sharing updates as progress continues.
A new feature is coming to the Liberty Bell Center Block of Independence Mall. The National Park Service is pleased to announce the installation of a large stone sculpture inspired by Benjamin Franklin's iconic 1754 "JOIN OR DIE" cartoon—an early political cartoon in American history, calling for unity among the colonies.
This 46-foot-long sculpture will feature segmented pieces of a snake, representing the original colonies. The sculpture will be accompanied by interpretive panels that explore themes of both unity and independence.
Work on this project will begin soon, and we look forward to sharing updates as progress continues.
Timeline
The sculpture's anticipated groundbreaking is set to commence in July of 2026, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary. The project is expected to be completed in late fall of 2026.
The sculpture's anticipated groundbreaking is set to commence in July of 2026, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary. The project is expected to be completed in late fall of 2026.