Last updated: August 12, 2022
Place
Steeple of Independence Hall
NPS photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets
Significance:
An iconic part of Independence Hall
Designation:
National Historical Park
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
The most recognizable part of Independence Hall today is its 168 foot (and 7 1/4") tall bell tower and steeple. Designed by William Strickland in 1828, this steeple replaced an earlier steeple that was demolished in 1781.
Original Tower and Steeple (1750-1871)
As originally designed and built, Independence Hall had no tower or steeple. The first steeple was constructed between 1750-1753 under the supervision of chief carpenter and builder Edmund Woolley. Woolley may have consulted architectural pattern books like The Architecture of A. Palladio and James Gibbs' Book of Architecture Containing Designs of Buildings and Ornaments for design inspiration.
This original steeple - described as 120 feet - housed the Pass and Stow bell (now known as the Liberty Bell) but no clocks. By 1774, the steeple had fallen into disrepair and in 1781, it was demolished.
Strickland Steeple (1828-present)
In 1828, architect William Strickland designed a new steeple. Although not an exact reproduction of the original one, Strickland's design evoked the original 18th century design.
Strickland's steeple differed in that it incorporated a clock with faces on four sides. To accommodate the weights for the Isaiah Lukens clockworks inside, the steeple rose to greater heights than the earlier 1750s tower. The Strickland steeple originally housed the Wilbank bell and Lukens clock. Both were replaced in 1876. Read more about the bells and clocks of Independence Hall. In 1926, an electric winder was added to the Seth Thomas clock. Before that, the clocks were wound by hand.
The 1828 weathervane still sits atop the steeple today.
See images and learn more about the architectural changes over time. Check out these FAQs about the Independence Hall steeple.
Original Tower and Steeple (1750-1871)
As originally designed and built, Independence Hall had no tower or steeple. The first steeple was constructed between 1750-1753 under the supervision of chief carpenter and builder Edmund Woolley. Woolley may have consulted architectural pattern books like The Architecture of A. Palladio and James Gibbs' Book of Architecture Containing Designs of Buildings and Ornaments for design inspiration.
This original steeple - described as 120 feet - housed the Pass and Stow bell (now known as the Liberty Bell) but no clocks. By 1774, the steeple had fallen into disrepair and in 1781, it was demolished.
Strickland Steeple (1828-present)
In 1828, architect William Strickland designed a new steeple. Although not an exact reproduction of the original one, Strickland's design evoked the original 18th century design.
Strickland's steeple differed in that it incorporated a clock with faces on four sides. To accommodate the weights for the Isaiah Lukens clockworks inside, the steeple rose to greater heights than the earlier 1750s tower. The Strickland steeple originally housed the Wilbank bell and Lukens clock. Both were replaced in 1876. Read more about the bells and clocks of Independence Hall. In 1926, an electric winder was added to the Seth Thomas clock. Before that, the clocks were wound by hand.
The 1828 weathervane still sits atop the steeple today.
See images and learn more about the architectural changes over time. Check out these FAQs about the Independence Hall steeple.