First Ringing of the Liberty Bell: July 8, 1776—But Who Pulled the Rope?

Historic Moment, Anonymous Ringer

The Liberty Bell was first rung publicly on July 8, 1776, to summon citizens for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence (adopted July 4).

What We Know

• Commissioned 1751, cast in London, recast twice in Philadelphia (Pass & Stow)
• Hung in Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) steeple
• July 8, 1776: Rung for Declaration reading by Colonel John Nixon

What We Don't Know

The identity of the person who physically rang it. No contemporary account names the ringer. Candidates include:

• Andrew McNair (doorkeeper/caretaker of State House)
• A member of the militia
• A bellringer hired for the occasion

The Famous Crack

Developed gradually (1840s); final expansion on Washington's Birthday 1846 rendered it unringable. The bell became an abolitionist symbol ("Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land") before the Civil War.