Arizona Bell for the Carillon
at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Marker:
Arizona Bell for the Carillon at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Location:
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge, York County, Pennsylvania
40.104576, -75.437934
Park Location:
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
40.101311, -75.422553
Historical Significance:
The National Patriots Bell Tower, also known as the Valley Forge Memorial Bell Tower, was a gift of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and completed in 1953. The Carillon of 58 tuned bronze bells represent all states and U. S. territories and ranks as one of the world’s largest. The bells weigh 26 tons in total, and from the largest bell of 8,000 pounds to the smallest bell of 13 1/2 pounds, they cover a range of nearly five octaves. The Arizona State Society DAR sponsored a bell.
The DAR undertook not only the construction of the tower but also included: an Honor Roll for all Revolutionary War Soldiers (one open to all men and women serving in World Wars I and II) and several special memorials, such as the State Seal of Pennsylvania on the keystone and DAR windows. In 1950, the construction of the new tower was resumed and took three years to complete.
The tower and carillon were dedicated on April 18, 1953. The ceremony was followed by the Dedicatory Recital performed by the first carillonneur, Frank Péchin Law. The first musical composition played on the carillon was the national anthem.
The cornerstone inscription reads:
“This Tower is dedicated by the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, to those patriots of the Revolutionary War whose faith and courage won and established American Freedom, and to those heroes of World Wars I and II who defended and preserved that blessed heritage.”
Link:
Valley Forge Maps and Brochures
Dedicated:
April 11, 1940
National Patriots Bell Tower completed April 18, 1953
Sponsor:
Arizona State Society DAR
