Considerable controversy arose around the request for the Liberty Bell to appear on exhibit at the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1895. The request, placed by the Mayor of Atlanta, Edwin S. Stuart, was originally denied by the Philadelphia Committee on City Property. The Philadelphia City Council overturned the Committee's decision and established a special committee to plan for the Bell's trip to Atlanta again via railway. Opposition from private groups arose stating that a railway accident could destroy the Bell. Also, fear that the Liberty Bell may crack further contributed to the opposition.

However, supporters of the Liberty Bell's journey to another world's fair stated that the Bell belonged to the nation and must be shared. It was also hoped that the Liberty Bell's trip to Atlanta would raise national patriotism and serve as a bond between the North and the South. A lawsuit was filed to stop the Bell's trip, but the court ruled in favor of the city's right to send the Bell anywhere. The safety of the Liberty Bell was taken into consideration and a special rubber cushion was constructed for the Bell to rest on during its train trip.

The train stopped frequently between Philadelphia and Atlanta only to be greeted by cheering crowds, speeches, ceremonies and great fanfare.  The Liberty Bell arrived in Atlanta on October 8th and it was placed on a float in a two mile procession to Piedmont Park and placed on exhibit in the Pennsylvania Building. 

The pamphlet from 1895 (shown above) entitled, "Liberty Bell from Independence Hall, Philadelphia to Atlanta" was given away to visitors of the Liberty Bell exhibit at the Atlanta Exposition. 

The pamphlet includes "a complete record of all the Great Events announced by the Ringing of the Bell from 1753 to 1835."  The author of this work is Charles S. Keyser.