Team Factend
The Statue of Liberty is the most iconic landmark in New York City. It was given to the United States as a gift from France in 1886.
It also known as Liberty Enlightening the World, stands as one of the most iconic symbols of freedom and democracy across the globe. While many recognize her towering presence in New York Harbor, there are countless interesting and lesser-known facts about the statue that reveal her historical significance, design, and the symbolism she holds.
The Statue of Liberty is an icon for freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was designed by French sculptor, Frederic Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel’s company.
It is made out of copper sheets that were hammered into shape then riveted together, covered with bronze plates that were then gold-leafed, and finally mounted on an iron framework designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower.
Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about the Statue of Liberty and uncover the deeper meanings behind this monumental figure.
21 Amazing Facts About the Statue of Liberty
1. The original model may have been an Egyptian woman
The statue was originally meant to be a robed woman, but Bartholdi’s original model for the statue may have been an Egyptian woman.
The cost to build it was $250,000, which would be equivalent to about $6 million today. The money was raised through private donations that were solicited by Colonel John R. Hazzard who had served with distinction during the Civil War on General Ulysses S Grant’s staff. More than 160,000 donors donated for the campaign to raise $101,091.
2. Her Real Name Is “Liberty Enlightening the World”
Although commonly referred to as the Statue of Liberty, her official name is Liberty Enlightening the World. This name reflects her purpose as a symbol of freedom and democracy, standing as a beacon of hope for millions of immigrants arriving in the United States.
3. From Red to Green
The facts about the Statue of Liberty’s color transformation are fascinating. The statue was originally a reddish-brown color due to its copper construction, similar to the color of a shiny penny. Over the years, the copper oxidized, resulting in the greenish-blue patina that we see today. This process took about two decades, and the resulting color has helped to protect the statue from further corrosion.
4. Lady Liberty by the Numbers
The sheer size of the Statue of Liberty is one of the most impressive facts about the Statue of Liberty. Standing at 93 meters (305 feet) from the foundation to the tip of the torch, she was the tallest iron structure in the world when erected in 1886. Weighing an astounding 225 tons, Lady Liberty wears size 879 sandals and has an 11-meter waistline. If you wish to visit the crown, be prepared to climb 377 steps to reach her 25 windows, which offer stunning views of New York Harbor. Her seven-spiked crown represents the seven oceans and seven continents, symbolizing liberty spreading across the world.
5. A Mother’s Day Gift
One of the touching facts about the Statue of Liberty is that the statue’s face was modeled after the mother of its sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi. He designed the statue with the visage of his own mother, Charlotte Bartholdi, which immortalized her in one of the most famous sculptures in history.
6. A Transatlantic Gift
One of the most significant facts about the Statue of Liberty is its origin. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the United States, commemorating their alliance during the American Revolution. Over time, it has become a global symbol of liberty, justice, and democracy. In 1984, the statue was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further cementing its importance on the world stage.
7. A Journey Across the Ocean
The story of how the statue arrived in the U.S. is one of the most remarkable facts about the Statue of Liberty. After being completed in France, the statue was presented to the U.S. ambassador on July 4, 1884. However, it had to be disassembled into 300 pieces, packed into 214 crates, and shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. The journey was eventful, with storms nearly sinking the vessel, but it finally arrived in the U.S. in 1885, where it was reassembled.
8. Lighting the Way
Between 1886 and 1906, one of the lesser-known facts about the Statue of Liberty is that it functioned as a lighthouse. While the statue’s light was not strong enough to guide ships effectively at night, it served as a symbol of guidance for travelers and immigrants arriving in America.
9. The Lady’s Tablet
Another of the symbolic facts about the Statue of Liberty is the copper tablet she holds. Inscribed on the tablet is “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI,” representing July 4, 1776, the date of the American Declaration of Independence. This detail highlights the connection between the statue and the core principles of American democracy.
10. Passing the Torch
One of the more dramatic facts about the Statue of Liberty relates to the torch. Originally, visitors were allowed to climb into the torch for a unique view of the city. However, after the Black Tom Explosion in 1916, which damaged parts of the statue, the torch was closed to the public. In 1986, the original torch was replaced with a new one covered in 24-karat gold leaves. The original can now be seen in the lobby of the statue’s pedestal.
11. Moving Toward Freedom
Among the most meaningful facts about the Statue of Liberty is that she is not standing still. Upon close examination, her right foot is in mid-stride, symbolizing her movement forward. She is stepping over broken chains and shackles at her feet, representing the end of tyranny and oppression, and the ongoing pursuit of liberty.
12. Weathering the Elements
Another of the surprising facts about the Statue of Liberty is her resilience in the face of natural forces. The statue is struck by lightning as many as 600 times each year due to her copper construction. Additionally, she sways slightly in strong winds; her torch can move up to six inches in high winds, demonstrating the flexibility of her iron structure.
13. Early Crowdfunding Effort
One of the inspiring facts about the Statue of Liberty is how the pedestal was funded. The French financed the statue, but Americans were responsible for funding the pedestal. When fundraising efforts stalled, newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer launched a campaign, offering to print the names of donors. In just five months, over 160,000 people contributed, many of whom were ordinary citizens donating less than a dollar. The campaign raised $101,091, allowing the pedestal to be completed.
14. Celebrating Abolition
One of the lesser-discussed facts about the Statue of Liberty is that it was originally intended to celebrate the abolition of slavery in the U.S. French abolitionist Édouard de Laboulaye, who conceived the idea for the statue, hoped it would inspire both Americans and the French to continue the fight for liberty. Though the original design featured Lady Liberty holding broken chains, this was later deemed too controversial, and the chains were placed at her feet instead.
15. A Spy Caper and Explosion
The reason visitors cannot climb into the torch anymore has a fascinating historical background. One of the facts about the Statue of Liberty is that during World War I, German spies planted explosives at a munitions depot near Black Tom Island in 1916, causing significant damage to the statue’s arm and torch. The damage was not fully repaired until 1984, and the original torch was replaced during the restoration.
16. Swaying in the Wind
Thanks to the engineering genius of Gustave Eiffel, the same man who designed the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty can sway in the wind without damage. The iron structure at her core was revolutionary for its time, allowing Lady Liberty to sway up to three inches during strong winds, while her torch can sway up to five inches.
17. A Lightning Magnet
One of the more striking facts about the Statue of Liberty is that she is frequently struck by lightning. On average, the copper statue is hit by lightning around 600 times per year, a testament to her position as a towering figure over the harbor.
18. Each Element Is Symbolic
One of the most important facts about the Statue of Liberty is the symbolic meaning behind each part of the statue. Her seven-pointed crown represents the seven seas, seven continents, and the rays of the sun, symbolizing liberty spreading across the globe. The tablet she holds carries the date of American independence, and the broken chains at her feet signify the end of oppression.
19. The Idea of a “Speaking” Statue
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the phonograph, once suggested installing a giant gramophone inside the Statue of Liberty so that she could “speak.” While this is one of the more unusual facts about the Statue of Liberty, the idea was ultimately rejected.
20. A Statue in Motion
One of the lesser-known facts about the Statue of Liberty is that her right leg is lifted, as if she is walking forward. This dynamic pose signifies her march toward freedom and progress, a reflection of America’s journey toward liberty for all.
21. The Crown’s Spikes
The seven spikes on Lady Liberty’s crown represent the seven oceans and seven continents, symbolizing the universal nature of liberty. This design emphasizes that freedom is a global ideal, extending beyond the borders of any one country.
By including these seven points, the Statue of Liberty serves as a reminder that the pursuit of liberty, justice, and equality is a shared human endeavor that unites people across the world. Lady Liberty stands as a beacon, welcoming all who seek freedom and opportunity, while underscoring the importance of these values for everyone, everywhere.
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Conclusion: Statue of Liberty Facts
The Statue of Liberty is much more than a monument; she is a powerful symbol of freedom, progress, and the enduring relationship between the United States and France. These facts about the Statue of Liberty not only highlight her historical importance but also emphasize the profound meaning behind her design and the ideals she represents. As visitors from all over the world continue to marvel at her grandeur, Lady Liberty remains a beacon of hope, standing tall as a testament to the principles of liberty and justice.
