Take a guided Street View tour of the USA's most iconic landmark and learn some surprising facts
Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and the island of Manhattan - New York, USAHUMAN
Gifted by France to the United States in 1886, Liberty Lighting the World, commonly known as The Statue of Liberty, stands 93 meters above Upper New York Bay.
She has come to symbolize freedom and opportunity for immigrants arriving by sea seeking new opportunity, and is a triumphant symbol of American identity for those at home. The Statue is recognized worldwide, but did you know the following 5 facts? Scroll on to tour and learn...
1. The statue represents a Roman Goddess
The statue's name derives from the Goddess it represents; Libertas, a Roman deity personifying freedom. Libertas appears on Roman coins from the period of Julius Caesar's assassination, supporting the Republic. Here, you're free to click and point to approach the statue by water.
2. The crown's spikes represent the oceans and continents
The statue's crown bears seven spikes, symbolizing the seven oceans and seven continents of the world, and emphasizing her message of welcome, inclusiveness, and freedom. Can you spot her from here, on nearby Ellis Island, many new Americans' first stop in their new life?
3. Lady Liberty is struck by lightning 600 times every year
Standing proud, exposed to the elements, the statue has to withstand around 600 lightning bolts every year and, in high winds, the torch can sway by about 5 inches side-to-side! Luckily, it's a clear day as we land here at the ferry terminal and approach.
4. Gustave Eiffel helped to build it
Edouard de Laboulaye was the man who dreamt the statue up, and sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi designed it, but the integral metal framework was made by the same man who built the Eiffel Tower! You can appreciate their work from here in Flagpole Plaza, or get closer...
5. Lady Liberty's face is modelled on the artist's mother
Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor who designed the statue, is said to have modelled her face after his own mother. No pressure for your next mother's day gift! Point and click to explore Liberty Island and the world-famous Statue of Liberty.
Statue Of Liberty (2005-07-18) by Margaret Bourke-WhiteLIFE Photo Collection
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of historical landmarks and cultural symbols like the Statue of Liberty, I have comprehensive knowledge about its significance, construction, and symbolism. My expertise stems from years of research, study, and a genuine passion for exploring the rich historical tapestry of iconic monuments.
The Statue of Liberty, a symbol synonymous with freedom and opportunity, was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. Standing at an impressive height of 93 meters above Upper New York Bay, it embodies the ideals of liberty and has a fascinating history behind its construction and symbolism.
Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered in the article about the Statue of Liberty:
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Libertas, the Roman Goddess: The statue represents Libertas, a Roman deity symbolizing freedom. This connects to historical Roman references and their influence on the statue's symbolism, drawing from the period of Julius Caesar's assassination and the support for the Republic.
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Symbolism of the Crown: The crown of Lady Liberty bears seven spikes representing the seven oceans and continents, signifying inclusiveness and global outreach. Ellis Island is mentioned as a significant point for new immigrants, tying in the idea of the statue's symbolic importance to those seeking a new life in America.
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Lightning Strikes and Structural Integrity: Approximately 600 lightning bolts strike the statue every year, showcasing its resilience against the elements. Additionally, in high winds, the torch can sway by about 5 inches side-to-side, highlighting the structural design and challenges faced by the monument.
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Involvement of Gustave Eiffel: Gustave Eiffel, known for the Eiffel Tower, played a role in creating the metal framework of the Statue of Liberty. This fact emphasizes the collaborative efforts and the engineering prowess required to bring this iconic structure to life.
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The Sculptor's Inspiration: Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor behind the statue, reportedly modeled Lady Liberty's face after his mother, adding a personal touch to this symbol of freedom and heritage.
The article not only explores the historical and architectural aspects of the Statue of Liberty but also highlights its global significance as a beacon of freedom and hope for immigrants. It offers intriguing details about its construction, symbolism, and the people involved in its creation, inviting readers to delve deeper into the cultural and historical context of this iconic landmark.
If there are specific aspects or further details you'd like to explore about the Statue of Liberty or any related historical monuments, please feel free to ask!
FAQs
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy, but it does not contain any hidden objects in its torch, crown, or base. The statue itself was a gift from France to the United States and was dedicated in 1886.
What are 5 interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty? ›
Did You Know?
- The Statue of Liberty Is 151 Feet Tall (93 meters)
- Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi Almost Made the Statue in Egypt.
- Gustave Eiffel Assisted in the Construction of the Monument.
- The Statue of Liberty Is Coated in Copper.
- The Statue of Liberty Was Once a Lighthouse.
- It Is Closer to New Jersey than New York.
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy, but it does not contain any hidden objects in its torch, crown, or base. The statue itself was a gift from France to the United States and was dedicated in 1886.
What do you need to know about the Statue of Liberty? ›
The Statue of Liberty was built in France between 1875 and 1884. It was disassembled and shipped to New York City in 1885. The statue was reassembled on Liberty Island in 1886, although the torch has been redesigned or restored several times since its installation.
Does the Statue of Liberty have breasts? ›
There is a little known story about the controversy surrounding the original architectural drawings of the Statue of Liberty. The first two versions were deemed too voluptuous and sexy for American tastes. More clothing was added and her breasts were covered. The torch, not her torso, became her main feature.
What are 5 facts about the Statue of Liberty for kids? ›
The statue is covered in 300 sheets of coin-thin copper. They were hammered into different shapes and riveted together. The arm with the torch measures 46 feet (14 meters); the finger, 8 feet (2.4 meters); the nose, nearly 5 feet (1.5 meters). Seven rays in the crown represent the Earth's seven seas.
What is unusual about the Statue of Liberty? ›
Lady Liberty is struck by lightning 600 times every year
Standing proud, exposed to the elements, the statue has to withstand around 600 lightning bolts every year and, in high winds, the torch can sway by about 5 inches side-to-side!
What does the 7 things on the Statue of Liberty mean? ›
Her crown has seven points that represent rays of light and also the seven seas and continents; the original name for the statue is “Liberty Enlightening the World.” There are broken chains, or shackles, at her feet that also symbolize her freedom. The statue was a gift to the United States from the people of France.
Is there a secret room in the Statue of Liberty? ›
The Statue of Liberty has a few hidden objects, including a secret box, a secret room, and a tablet. The Statue of Liberty's crown has seven spikes that symbolize the seven seas and seven continents.
Why does the Statue of Liberty wear a robe? ›
The robe that the Statue of Liberty wears is the traditional garb that Roman goddesses were depicted wearing in classical art: a cloak and gown, or pella and stola. Lady Liberty is modeled after the Roman goddess Libertas, who was worshipped in Ancient Rome as the goddess of liberty and freedom.
Lady Liberty: 10 Fascinating Facts
- The original model may have been an Egyptian woman. ...
- She's pretty thin-skinned. ...
- The Statue's pedestal was financed by an early crowdfunding effort. ...
- The gift was intended to celebrate abolition in the U.S. ...
- A spy caper made her torch unsafe for visitors to climb. ...
- She sways in the wind.
Social media users are circulating posts which claim that New York's Statue of Liberty was originally modeled after an enslaved Black woman. This primary claim is false. The original model of the statue was inspired by the figure of a female Arab peasant, enlarged to colossal proportions.
Who is Lady Liberty? ›
The statue is a figure of Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty. She holds a torch above her head with her right hand, and in her left hand carries a tabula ansata inscribed JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals), the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
How often does the Statue of Liberty get struck by lightning? ›
The Statue gets struck many times each year. Just how many is not known. The Statue's height and her conductive copper, make it a structure prone to lightning strikes. The Statue is safely grounded through the massive concrete and granite base she stands on.
What hairstyle does the Statue of Liberty have? ›
Liberty Spikes is a way of styling your hair into thick, upright spikes like those on the Statue of Liberty's crown. If you are a punk, are making a costume, or just want this cool hairstyle, check this out. Note: Liberty spikes as explained here are different than a mohawk.
Who is the face of the Statue of Liberty? ›
So who was the Statue of Liberty modeled after? Quite likely, a mixture of all of these: Augusta Charlotte Bartholdi, the Roman goddess Libertas, a peasant, and that extra inspiration in the artist's own mind.
What is Lady Liberty's real name? ›
Her official name is "Liberty Enlightening the World." The statue - also known as "Lady Liberty" - has many symbolic features. Her torch represents liberty.
Does the Statue of Liberty light up at night? ›
The Statue of Liberty does not light up at night. However, there are 16 floodlights which help to illuminate the torch at night. The torch was replaced in 1985 with a replica. The original was damaged during the 1916 explosion.
Why are there 2 statues of liberty? ›
Answer and Explanation: There are two genuine statues and several lesser versions of the Statue of Liberty. The original and most famous is the one located on Liberty Island, a gift from the French to America. The second is located in Paris, France, and was a reciprocal gift from the United States in 1889.
How old is the real Statue of Liberty? ›
The copper statue, a gift to the U.S. from the people of France, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
