Liberty Bell (Portland, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Liberty Bell |
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| Year |
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| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium |
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| Subject | Liberty Bell |
| Dimensions | 1.7 m × 1.6 m × 1.7 m (66 in × 64 in × 66 in) |
| Weight | 1 tonne (1,000 kg) |
| Condition | "Treatment needed" (1993) |
| Location | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| 45°30′54″N 122°40′43″W / 45.51508°N 122.67869°W | |
The Liberty Bell refers to one of two special bells in Portland, Oregon. These bells are copies of the famous Liberty Bell located in Philadelphia.
Portland's first copy of the bell was bought in 1962. It was placed inside City Hall in 1964. Sadly, on November 21, 1970, this bell was destroyed in a bomb blast. The explosion also damaged the building.
Soon after, around 1972, a second copy of the bell was put outside City Hall. Money for this new bell came from private donations. It was officially dedicated on November 6, 1975. The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs lists this bell as a memorial for veterans.
Contents
The Liberty Bell in Portland
Portland has had two copies of the original Liberty Bell from Philadelphia. These bells are important symbols of freedom.
The First Bell (1963-1970)
The first copy of the Liberty Bell for Portland was bought in 1962. It cost $8,000. This bell was made at the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore. It came with a 25-year promise that it would not break.
The bell arrived in Portland in June 1963. Its base and beam were damaged because it had slipped. After repairs, the bell was shown around the city on a truck. Then, it was stored until July 4th.
On Independence Day, the bell was given to the city. It was rung for the first time during the holiday celebrations. The bell was then placed inside City Hall on May 5, 1964.
On November 21, 1970, a bomb exploded under the bell. The blast damaged City Hall's columns and broke windows. The bell was completely destroyed. Luckily, no one was hurt. Pieces of the bell flew everywhere. No one was ever caught or charged for this crime.
The Second Bell (Since 1972)
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Portland's second Liberty Bell copy is outside City Hall. It is near Southwest Fourth and Madison streets. This spot is across from Terry Schrunk Plaza.
Private donations helped buy the new bell. About $8,000 was raised, and the new bell cost $6,000. It was put in place around 1972, not long after the first one was destroyed. Some people say this bell was a gift from Philadelphia residents to Portland schoolchildren.
The second bell was officially dedicated on November 6, 1975. In 1993, experts from the Smithsonian Institution looked at the bell. They said it needed "treatment," meaning it needed care to stay in good condition. The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs lists this bell as a memorial for veterans in the state.
See also
In Spanish: Campana de la Libertad (Portland) para niños
