Downtown in Topeka in Shawnee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Liberty Bell
21
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 29, 2025
1. Liberty Bell Marker
President Harry S. Truman introduced an Independence Savings Bond Drive in 1950 to boost defense funds and preserve freedom in the post-World War II era. The drive included sending 57 Liberty Bell replicas to each of the 48 states in the nation and a few more locations. Each bell toured its state in a Ford truck decorated with patriotic themes. Kansas' bell, serial number 21, visited 92 cities and was accepted by Governor Frank Carlson on behalf of all Kansans. It was first displayed in the Capitol's first-floor rotunda, becoming a favorite stop on statehouse tours. Later, the bell was moved outside, then into the Capitol's parking garage during restoration starting in 2003. Its 44-inch-by 44-inch size, and 2,080-pound weight made it difficult to position. In 2025, the restored bell returned to public view at the newly Docking State Office Building.
Erected 2025.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.
Location. 39° 2.886′ N, 95° 40.8′ W. Marker is in Topeka, Kansas, in Shawnee County. It is in Downtown. It is on Southwest Harrison Street south of Southwest 9th Street, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: West Bas Relief (within shouting distance of this marker); East Bas Relief (within shouting distance of this marker); Kansa Origins (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kansa Way of Life (within shouting distance of this marker); The Impact of the European Fur Trade (within shouting distance of this marker); The Indian Policy of a New Nation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "To the Stars Through Difficulties": A Chronicle (about 300 feet away); The Failure of the Missionaries (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Topeka.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 29, 2025
2. Liberty Bell Marker
With the actual bell
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 29, 2025
3. Liberty Bell Marker
Marker and bell are in front of Docking State Office building.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
