Arguing for the cause of unity between the North and the South and to inspire patriotism, the Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina, convinced the Philadelphia City Council to allow the Liberty Bell to travel to Charleston for the 1902 South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition.

On January 6, 1902, the Liberty Bell started its journey to South Carolina by rail. Removing the Liberty Bell from its new glass case, rolling it out to the street and lifting the Bell by means of a derrick onto a wagon proved no small task. However, the Liberty Bell again received its due honor in transport to the railroad station:

"The vehicle was drawn by 4 horses and the Liberty Bell rested under an arbor dressed with white bunting and violets, the whole surmounted by a figure of Liberty. Four bells of violets adorned the corner posts and a score of silk flags, besides many yards of bunting in the national colors completely hid the framework of the wagon from view." As the journey began from the train station, a 21-gun salute was fired at League Island by order of the Secretary of the Navy.

January 9, 1902, was declared "Liberty Bell Day" in Charleston and celebrated in full as a holiday. Greeted by thousands upon its arrival, the Liberty Bell was escorted by military to the exposition grounds where it was then placed in the Philadelphia Building for exhibit through
June 10, 1902.