Liberty Bell & Other Relics: The Unlikely Journeys of Founding Artifacts

The Liberty Bell: A Symbol with a Storied Past

Few objects encapsulate the spirit of American independence like the Liberty Bell. Commissioned in 1752 for the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), its iconic crack and storied history have become a central piece of our national memory. But what many don’t realize is just how tumultuous the Bell’s existence has been. During the British invasion of Philadelphia in 1777, colonial patriots spirited it away to Allentown, hiding it under floorboards of the Zion Reformed Church to prevent it from being melted down for cannons.

The Bell would make several journeys after the Revolution—traveling by train and wagon to fairs and expositions in places like New Orleans, St. Louis, and Chicago from the late 1800s into the early 1900s. Millions touched it, perhaps seeking to draw inspiration from its connection to July 8, 1776, when it rang out for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Documents on the Move: Declaration of Independence & Constitution

The nation’s founding documents have had their share of close calls too. In August 1814, as British troops advanced on Washington, D.C., clerks evacuated the original Declaration of Independence to a mill in rural Virginia, hidden in a linen bag. The Constitution and other vital papers followed suit, ensuring their survival. Changes in archival care, like the installation of bulletproof glass and controlled environments at the National Archives, only came much later, in the 20th century.

Even earlier, Paul Revere’s famous engravings and silverwork were often hidden or smuggled during wartime, quietly shaping the image of the Revolution for future generations. These acts of preservation were carried out not by famous heroes alone, but by dedicated citizens, museum curators, and local officials determined to protect their heritage.

Other Relics on the Road: Washington’s Tent, Revere’s Ride

George Washington’s Revolutionary War tent, sometimes called the "first Oval Office," survived centuries of travel and changing hands. Used throughout the war as his headquarters, it moved from the Continental Army’s encampments to Mount Vernon and eventually to the care of the National Park Service. Similarly, Paul Revere’s lantern—possibly the very one hung in Boston’s Old North Church—has passed through family hands and historic societies, continuing to shine a light on the nation’s founding era.

• Liberty Bell: Hidden in Allentown, PA (1777); toured the nation (1885–1915)
• Declaration of Independence: Smuggled to Virginia (1814); now in the National Archives
• Washington’s Tent: From battlefields to museums
• Paul Revere’s Lantern: Passed through private and public stewardship

Honoring the Journeys: Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom

As the USA’s Semiquincentennial nears, these artifacts serve as more than museum pieces—they’re reminders of a nation’s resilience and the value of liberty. Each journey, whether over muddy colonial roads or through the hands of everyday patriots, speaks to the care and commitment that have kept the spirit of 1776 alive for 250 years.

At Pumpbear, we believe these relics invite us all to reflect on what it means to safeguard freedom. As we approach the 250th, let’s honor the journeys of America’s founding artifacts and celebrate the enduring legacy of liberty together—with pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of unity.