Union Station Bell

Between the Christopher Columbus Memorial and Union Station, this bell is a replica of the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence in Philadelphia. This one is the Freedom Bell, a bicentennial gift from the American Legion to the youth of the country. Unlike the original, this bell was made in the Netherlands as no American foundry was capable of producing it. To celebrate the bicentennial of the United States’ independence, the Freedom Bell was taken across all 50 states aboard the American Freedom Train. It was finally installed here in 1981. Its placement sparked some debate as the American Legion had hoped it would be located on the National Mall.