History is constantly in motion. Because of that, we sometimes forget that the places we visit, hope to visit or perhaps have never even heard of all have histories of their own — stories that connect generations and communities.
Recently, many in Liberty County were saddened by news that a beloved bridge would be removed. For generations, the bridge has been a familiar sight to people traveling between Dayton and Liberty. It became more than a structure. It became a shared memory.
This story, however, is not about the bridge. Instead, it is about another Liberty landmark with a remarkable history of its own.
Liberty’s “Liberty Bell” can be found in the heart of the Geraldine D. Humphreys Cultural Center, home of the Liberty Municipal Library. While it does not date back as far as the famous Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Liberty’s bell has an interesting connection to its much older namesake.
The original bell ordered for Pennsylvania was cast in 1752 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, England. After the bell cracked, it was recast in Philadelphia by John Pass and John Stow. The Pass and Stow bell eventually became the famous symbol of American independence now displayed at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia.
More than two centuries later, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry would play a role in creating Liberty’s own bell.
Liberty’s “Liberty Bell” was cast in 1960 following correspondence with A.A. Hughes, then owner of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. Using traditional methods associated with the creation of the 1752 bell, Whitechapel produced the new bell as part of an effort supporting the fight against muscular dystrophy.
Its arrival in Liberty came with a little Hollywood star power.
On Sept. 13, 1960, the bell was rung on the steps of the Liberty County Courthouse by none other than John Wayne. The Hollywood legend, affectionately known to generations of fans as “The Duke,” added another memorable chapter to the bell’s story.
In 1974, Sallie and Nadine Woods gave the bell to the City of Liberty. For years, it hung in a tower behind the Liberty Municipal Library, where its ringing could once again be heard.
Hurricane Ike changed that.
After the tower was damaged during the 2008 hurricane, the bell was removed for safekeeping and placed inside the Geraldine D. Humphreys Cultural Center. The damaged tower was later demolished because of structural concerns.
There is hope that someday a tower can be rebuilt and Liberty’s bell can once again hang outside and ring proudly.
As the nation observes the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, it is a fitting time to discover this small but fascinating piece of history right here at home.
Visitors to the cultural center can also hear the bell for themselves. A recording near the display, created by Liberty’s own Bill Buchanan, begins with the original sound of Liberty’s “Liberty Bell” ringing and continues with the story of its creation and history.
While there, visitors can also explore the Liberty Municipal Library, browse its collection of books, movies and magazines, use the library’s free Wi-Fi and computers, or simply find a quiet place to sit and take in a little of Liberty’s history.
The Liberty Municipal Library and Liberty Bell are located inside the Geraldine D. Humphreys Cultural Center, 1710 Sam Houston Ave. in Liberty, across from the Catholic church.
Library hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, call the Liberty Municipal Library at 936-336-8901.