5 Facts About the Statue of Liberty
J. C.,
Lady Liberty. Mother of Freedom. The Green Goddess. No matter what you call it, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom that’s synonymous with the United States. Not only is it iconic in its profile against the backdrop of New York City, it’s also a symbol for everything that America stands for. For decades, it’s been one of the first things people see when they immigrate to this country—the stalwart guardian of the New York Harbor.
The Statue of Liberty is a patriotic American landmark that most people can easily identify. You probably know it’s located on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor, but there may be some other facts that are new to you. For instance, did you know that the statue was a gift from France, or that it was originally bronze?
Here are five facts about the Statue of Liberty every American should know—facts that will enhance the symbol’s meaning even more.
1. France and the United States Joined Forces to Create the Statue of Liberty
The construction of the Statue of Liberty was a joint effort between France and the United States. This statue was created to show the friendship between the French and Americans.
In 1865, the idea of a statue was proposed by French historian Edouard de Laboulaye, for France to give to the United States to celebrate democracy. The French handled the statue construction and assembly while the Americans would build the pedestal.
Due to the need for both sides to raise money to build the statue, there was a decade in between the statue proposal and the start of construction. During that decade, there were multiple instances where the statue almost wasn’t erected! But, though the generosity of several major benefactors and the persistence of the government, Lady Liberty eventually took her place in the New York Harbor.
2. The Statue of Liberty Was Built in France and Reassembled on Liberty Island
French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi began constructing the Statue of Liberty in 1875 and completed the building portion in 1885. Bartholdi was responsible for creating the copper statue, while Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel (of the famed Eiffel Tower) designed the statue’s steel framework.
After the statue was finished, it was disassembled and shipped to the United States in crates which arrived in June 1885. For the next four months, workers in New York reassembled the statue and placed it on the pedestal that was created at Fort Wood on Liberty Island. The finished product resulted in the Statue of Liberty standing 305 feet tall, overlooking the New York Harbor.
3. President Grover Cleveland Held an Official Dedication Ceremony
The Statue of Liberty was formally introduced on October 28, 1886, when President Grover Cleveland held the official dedication. This formal dedication took place in front of a large crowd of individuals who came out to celebrate the presence and meaning of the new patriotic statue.
The statue was an instant hit, and people from nearby New York and across the country came to see it in all its splendor. It wasn’t long after that it became a central tourist attraction and a point of pride for New York and the country as a whole.
4. The Statue of Liberty Stands for Freedom and Democracy
Although you might know that the Statue of Liberty is a patriotic and historical landmark, it also stands for freedom and democracy. When individuals came to America from other countries and arrived at Ellis Island, Lady Liberty was certain to be an awe-inspiring vision. The Statue of Liberty was a symbol of freedom and democracy back then, and still holds this symbolism today.
5. Statue Renovations Took Place in 1984
As with any monument or patriotic statue, the Statue of Liberty needed some upkeep to maintain its beautiful aesthetics. In 1984, the Statue of Liberty underwent massive renovations to get it back to its original luster and beauty. Interestingly enough, the green patina that formed as the result of copper oxidation was kept. By this time, the statue was well-regarded for its greenish hue, and restoration experts recommended that the government keep it that way.
Lady Liberty is a Symbol of Our Country
If you love the Statue of Liberty as much as we do, you can show your appreciation for this patriotic landmark by wearing a shirt with Lady Liberty on it! Check out our Statue of Liberty men’s shirt and add this patriotic item to your collection today.
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