The idea for the Statue of Liberty was first proposed by French political activist Edouard de Laboulaye in the 1860s. He suggested that a statue be built as a gift to the United States to celebrate the friendship between the two countries. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic Bartholdi and was constructed in France before being shipped to the United States in pieces.

Construction of the statue began in 1875 and was completed in 1884. The statue was made of copper and was designed to be a representation of the Roman goddess Libertas, who was a symbol of freedom. The statue was then shipped to the United States in pieces and was assembled on Bedloe’s Island (now known as Liberty Island) in New York Harbor.

The Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886. It quickly became an iconic symbol of freedom and a popular tourist destination.

1. A Gift from France with a Hidden Message

One of the most interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty is its origin. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the United States, commemorating the centennial of American independence. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, the statue symbolizes freedom, democracy, and the alliance between the two countries.

However, a lesser-known fact about the Statue of Liberty’s history is that it also served as a subtle reminder to the French people of their own struggle for democracy. Bartholdi incorporated symbols of the French Revolution, such as the broken chains at the statue’s feet, to inspire the French people to fight for their own freedom and liberty.

2. The Torch’s Journey

The Statue of Liberty’s torch has an interesting history of its own. The original torch was replaced in 1986 due to extensive damage caused by years of weathering and modifications. The new torch, made of copper and gold leaf, is a more accurate representation of Bartholdi’s original design.

Did you know that the original torch is now on display at the Statue of Liberty Museum? Visitors can see the historical artifact up close and learn more about its journey and transformation.

3. Struck by Lightning

The Statue of Liberty is made of copper. The statue was designed to be made of copper, which was chosen for its ability to withstand the elements and its symbolism. Copper is a strong and durable material that is also known for its ability to change color over time, which gives the statue its iconic green hue.

It was assembled on Bedloe’s Island (now known as Liberty Island) in New York Harbor and was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886. The Statue of Liberty quickly became an iconic symbol of freedom and a popular tourist destination. Today, the Statue of Liberty is a National Monument and is visited by millions of people each year.

One amazing fact about the Statue of Liberty is how often it is struck by lightning. Due to its height and metal composition, the statue serves as a natural lightning rod, attracting numerous strikes each year. In fact, lightning has left scorch marks on the statue’s crown and torch, adding to the monument’s unique character.

4. A Symbol of Immigration

For many, the Statue of Liberty in New York represents the hope and promise of a better life in America. From 1892 to 1954, millions of immigrants passed by the statue as they arrived at nearby Ellis Island, the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection station.

An interesting fact about the statue is that it was the poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus that solidified its connection to immigration. Inscribed on a plaque inside the pedestal, the poem includes the famous lines: “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

5. Size and Scale

The statue’s size is one of the most impressive aspects of this monument. Standing at 305 feet (93 meters) from the base to the tip of the torch, the Statue of Liberty is an awe-inspiring sight. Here are some interesting numerical facts about the statue that emphasize its scale:

• The statue alone, without the pedestal, stands at 151 feet (46 meters) tall.
• Lady Liberty’s face is more than 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall.
• The statue’s index finger measures 8 feet (2.4 meters) long.
• The tablet in her left hand is 23 feet (7 meters) tall and 13 feet (4 meters) wide.
• There are 354 steps to climb from the pedestal to the crown, offering visitors a unique and breathtaking view of New York Harbor.

These impressive dimensions make the Statue of Liberty one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Has a hidden room

The Statue of Liberty has a hidden room called the “crypt.” The crypt is located at the base of the statue and was originally intended to be a museum, but it was never completed. Today, it is used for storage.

The crypt is not open to the public and can only be accessed by a small group of people, including National Park Service employees and maintenance workers. It is located beneath the pedestal of the statue and is not visible from the outside.

Conclusion

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom, hope, and democracy that has captivated the world for over a century. From its origins as a gift from France and its connection to immigration to the fascinating facts about its size and the frequency with which it is struck by lightning, this iconic monument continues to inspire and amaze. Next time you visit New York City, don’t miss the opportunity to see this national monument up close and learn more about its rich history and the countless stories it represents.