Is the crack in the liberty bell a symbolic crack or did someone actually crack it at some point?

Question

I was thinking symbolically it would make sense- you can't get enough liberty, so ring the heck out of the bell untill it cracks.

Answer 1

The bell actually did crack and it was recast and it cracked again.  I think the British actually offered to try fixing it again, but it was decided to allow the crack to remain, as a symbol.  

Answer 2

It was an actual crack when the bell tolled to signify the death of the Supreme Court Justice John Marshall.  

Answer 3

In an interview in the Sunday New York Times of July 16, 1911, one Emmanuel Rauch claims that when he was a boy of 10, 1835, he was walking through the State House Square on Washington's Birthday when the steeple-keeper, Major Jack Downing, called him over. Rauch, along with several other boys were asked whether they wanted to ring the Bell in honor of Washington's Birthday. The boys started the ringing, and after the clapper had struck about a dozen times, both the lads and Major Downing noticed a change in the Bell's tone. Upon examining the Bell, they discovered a hairline crack, over a foot long. Major Downing sent the boys on their way.

Answer 4

Why is the crack living inside the bell?