New Bedford in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Liberty Hall
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
1. Liberty Hall Marker
On this site the former meeting house of the First Congregational and Unitarian societies was erected - 1795-97
These buildings were converted into Liberty Hall - 1839
Original Liberty Hall burned and rebuilt - 1854
Merchant National Bank's second bank building erected - 1893
This building erected 1914
News of the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law was brought from Boston in 1851 by an express messenger who rode all night and the bell from the old hall was wrung to give warning to fugitive slaves that U.S. Marshals were coming.
The bell was melted in the fire of 1854 and a fragment is inserted into this tablet.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Communications • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 41° 38.128′ N, 70° 55.569′ W. Marker is in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. It is at the intersection of Purchase Street and William Street, on the left when
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the South Coast. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Slavery Opposed (a few steps from this marker); Whalemans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Vietnam Veterans Honor Roll (about 300 feet away); Lewis Temple (about 300 feet away); Trading Places (about 300 feet away); Heroes of Fort Wagner (about 400 feet away); Joseph Theodore (about 400 feet away); Frederick Douglass (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Bedford.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
2. Liberty Hall Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 12, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
