26 Facts About The Statue Of Liberty

The Origins of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy. But how much do you really know about this iconic monument? Let's explore some fascinating facts about Lady Liberty.

1. The statue was a gift from France to the United States, commemorating the alliance during the American Revolution. It was meant to celebrate freedom and democracy shared by both nations.

2. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the statue's full name is "Liberty Enlightening the World." Bartholdi was inspired by the Roman goddess Libertas, who symbolized freedom.

3. Construction began in France in 1875, and the statue was completed in 1884. It was then disassembled and shipped to the United States in 350 individual pieces packed in 214 crates.

4. Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the Eiffel Tower, designed the statue's iron framework. This internal structure allows the statue to withstand strong winds and weather conditions.

The Journey to America

Transporting such a massive structure across the Atlantic was no small feat. Here's how Lady Liberty made her way to New York Harbor.

5. The statue arrived in New York Harbor on June 17, 1885, aboard the French frigate Isère. It took four months to reassemble the statue on Liberty Island.

6. The pedestal on which the statue stands was funded by American donations. Joseph Pulitzer, a newspaper publisher, played a significant role in raising funds by encouraging public contributions through his newspaper, "The World."

7. Lady Liberty was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886, by President Grover Cleveland. The dedication ceremony included a parade and a speech by the president.

The Design and Symbolism

Every aspect of the statue's design carries meaning. Let's look at what each part represents.

8. The statue stands at a total height of 305 feet, including the pedestal. The statue itself is 151 feet tall, making it one of the tallest statues in the world at the time of its completion.

9. Lady Liberty holds a torch in her right hand, symbolizing enlightenment. The torch was originally designed to be a lighthouse, but it was never used as one.

10. In her left hand, she holds a tablet inscribed with the date of American independence, July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals. This represents the law and the foundation of the nation.

11. The seven spikes on her crown represent the seven continents and seven seas, signifying universal liberty.

12. At her feet lie broken chains and shackles, symbolizing the end of oppression and the triumph of freedom.

The Color and Material

The statue's appearance has changed over time, and its materials are quite interesting.

13. Made of copper, the statue originally had a shiny brown color. Over time, it developed a green patina due to oxidation, which actually protects the metal underneath.

14. The statue's copper skin is only about the thickness of two pennies stacked together. Despite this, it remains strong due to its internal iron framework.

15. The torch was replaced in 1986 with a new copper flame covered in 24-carat gold leaf. The original torch is now displayed in the statue's museum.

The Statue's Role in History

Lady Liberty has witnessed many historical events and played a role in American culture.

16. During World War I, the statue's torch was used as a lookout point for spotting enemy ships. It was closed to the public during this time for security reasons.

17. The statue became a symbol of hope and freedom for millions of immigrants arriving in the United States. It was often the first sight they saw as they entered New York Harbor.

18. In 1924, the statue was designated as a National Monument, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

19. The statue underwent a major restoration for its centennial celebration in 1986. This included structural repairs and the replacement of the torch.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Beyond its historical significance, there are some quirky and lesser-known facts about the statue.

20. The statue's face is said to be modeled after Bartholdi's mother, Charlotte. This personal touch adds a unique element to the statue's design.

21. Lady Liberty's shoe size would be a whopping 879 if she wore shoes. Her sandals are 25 feet long!

22. The statue sways slightly in the wind. The torch can move up to 5 inches, while the rest of the statue can sway up to 3 inches.

23. The statue has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and books, making it a pop culture icon.

24. The statue is struck by lightning about 600 times each year. Its copper skin and iron framework conduct electricity safely to the ground.

25. The statue's crown was closed to the public after the September 11 attacks in 2001 but reopened in 2009 with limited access.

26. Over 4 million people visit the Statue of Liberty each year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States.

Lady Liberty's Legacy

Lady Liberty stands tall as a symbol of freedom and hope. Her torch lights the way for countless immigrants seeking a better life. This iconic statue, a gift from France, represents the enduring friendship between two nations. Over the years, she's witnessed history unfold, from welcoming new arrivals to serving as a backdrop for significant events. Her copper exterior, once a shiny brown, has transformed into the familiar green patina we see today. This change, caused by oxidation, adds to her charm. Inside, the spiral staircase offers a challenging climb, but the view from the crown is worth every step. Lady Liberty's inscription, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," continues to resonate. As a beacon of liberty, she reminds us of the values we hold dear. Her legacy endures, inspiring generations to cherish freedom.