07 Jun 5 Intriguing Facts About the Iconic Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is an emblem of freedom and democracy, known worldwide as a symbol of the United States. It stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, welcoming visitors from all over the world. But how much do you know about this iconic statue? Here are five intriguing facts about the Statue of Liberty that will fascinate you.
Fact #1: The Statue Was a Gift from France
Many people know that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France, but the story behind it is fascinating. The statue was a joint effort between the United States and France to celebrate the centennial of American independence. France agreed to finance the statue, while the United States was responsible for building the pedestal. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who later designed the Eiffel Tower. It was shipped to the United States in pieces and assembled on a pedestal in New York Harbor.
Fact #2: The Statue Was Originally Copper
When the Statue of Liberty was first unveiled in 1886, it was a shiny copper color. Over time, the copper oxidized and turned green, giving the statue its distinctive color today. The oxidation process took about 20 years, and the statue has remained green ever since. The patina that covers the statue now is about 0.125 inches thick and helps protect the copper from further corrosion.
Fact #3: The Torch Has Been Replaced
The Statue of Liberty’s torch was replaced in the 1980s. The original torch was damaged beyond repair in the 1916 Black Tom explosion caused by German saboteurs during World War I. It took almost 70 years for a replacement torch, and it was designed to match the original as closely as possible. The original torch is now on display in the museum inside the pedestal.
Fact #4: The Statue Was Used as a Lighthouse
Before the construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964, the Statue of Liberty was used as a lighthouse to guide ships into New York Harbor. The statue’s torch was designed to emit a powerful light that could be seen from up to 24 miles away. The light was turned on for the first time on November 1, 1886, and it was used as a lighthouse until 1924. Today, the torch is purely symbolic and no longer functions as a lighthouse.
Fact #5: The Statue Has a Sister
Did you know that the Statue of Liberty has a sister? A smaller replica of the statue, known as the “Little Sister,” stands on the Île aux Cygnes in Paris, France. The American community in Paris gave the statue to the city of Paris in 1889, and it faces west, towards its big sister in New York Harbor. The Little Sister is about 1/4 the size of the original statue and stands 37 feet tall.
The Statue of Liberty—A Testament to American Freedom
The Statue of Liberty is more than just a symbol of the United States. It is a testament to the freedom and democracy that America stands for. The statue’s history and design are fascinating, and its importance to American culture cannot be overstated. The Statue of Liberty remains one of the world’s most recognizable and iconic landmarks and continues to inspire people from all walks of life.
ASF Nation is a patriotism blog that stands for American values of liberty, freedom, equality, and personal responsibility. Based on American Stripes Forever, we believe that all men are created equal and endowed with the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Read more about American liberty on our blog!
