Well before 1776, Colonial Americans began using the famous rallying cry of taxes without representation. At the time colonists were increasingly dissatisfied with heavy taxes and felt less and less dependent their mother country England. The movement encouraged the 2nd Continental Congress to draft a document spelling out the ideas of independence. On July 8th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read in Philadelphia's Independence Square. One year later Philadelphia celebrated Independence Day with bells, bonfires and fireworks.
   Today, true Americans celebrate nearly two and a half centuries years of independence. Parades, cook-outs and fireworks displays are traditional July 4th festivities. These old ideas of independence also bring thousands and thousands of visitors to Independence Hall in Philadelphia over the summer. A symbol of American freedom, park guests may relive this 245 year old timeline of independence here at the hall and throughout the Independence National Historical Park. One of the most popular attractions is located at the Liberty Bell Center. Simply called the State House bell at the time, the bell arrived in Philadelphia on September 1, 1752,the bell tower at Independence Hall was complete in 1753, housing the 2,080 pound bell. Cracked after the first ring, the bell needed to be recast. Words from Leviticus were cast into the bell, stating: Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof. Last year over two million people came to view the world's most famous bell, and millions more enjoy the City of Brotherly Love.

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