A Symbol of Freedom

     The Liberty Bell is an enduring symbol of our freedom.  Millions have come to observe it on Independence Mall in Philadelphia.  But did you know that there is a connection between it and a local Montgomery County restaurant?

     The Rising Sun Inn is situated on the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek in Franconia, PA.  Built in 1739, it began its history as an inn when Peter Gerhart and his wife rented it from George Esterly in 1752.  It was known as Gerhart's Tavern for over 100 years and was a stagecoach stop for the two day journey along the old Allentown Road from Philadelphia to Northampton (now Allentown).

     In 1777 the State House Bell was removed from Independence Hall to prevent its capture by the British during the occupation of Philadelphia.  It was stored overnight in the barn adjacent to the inn, along with wounded soldiers and war supplies.

     On Saturday June 30th the event was re-created as a wagon guarded by Revolutionary Soldier re-enactors marched to the inn along Allentown Road.

An encampment was staged along side the creek where the simulated bell, still under guard, was on display for the weekend.

     The inn was also a stop on the Underground Railroad, housing escapees overnight on their journey to freedom in tunnels that had been dug in the basement.  Runaways stopped at Gerhart's Tavern after leaving Seth Luken's station on Forty Foot Road.

     The Rising Sun Inn continues the longstanding tradition of hospitality and fine dining that commenced in 1752.  Check out their web site at www.risingsuninn.net