Lexington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Bell, 1890
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
1. Bell, 1890 Marker
Meneely and Company, West Troy, New York
Bell Metal (bronze alloy)
Removed during renovation from the Washington Hall cupola in 2011
For 140 years, the Washington Hall bell rang to announce the beginning and end of class meetings and to signal important university events. It was a central feature of the campus experience from 1871 to 2011, when the bell was removed from the cupola during the building's renovation. The original bell had cracked in 1890 and was returned to Meneely and Company who re-melted it and combined it into a new bell. The Troy, NY foundry was one of the foremost bell makers in the United States, noted for the rich tonal beauty of its products.
The Washington Hall bell is made of a resonant bronze alloy called bell metal, composed of pure copper and tin. The bell was rung by hand using a rope until 1936, when an automatic bell-ringing system was installed.
Erected by Washington and Lee University.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list.
Location. 37° 47.31′ N, 79° 26.564′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Virginia. Marker can be reached
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington and Lee University (within shouting distance of this marker); A Difficult, Yet Undeniable, History (within shouting distance of this marker); John Robinson (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named John Robinson (about 400 feet away); Oklahoma Survivor Tree (about 400 feet away); Cyrus Hall McCormick (about 400 feet away); Morris House (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Cyrus Hall McCormick (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
2. Bell, 1890 Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
3. Bell, 1890 Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
4. Washington Hall Cupola
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
5. Washington Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 19, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
