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20 Interesting Facts about the Statue of Liberty

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Lady Liberty is a symbol of freedom worldwide. It was once a strong symbol to immigrants arriving by boat at Ellis Island between 1892 and 1924. It still serves as a powerful symbol of American independence.

Here is some history, fun insight, and 20 interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty.

1. Basic Statue of Liberty History

Located in New York, the Statue of Liberty’s history indicates that it is the picture of the Roman Goddess of Freedom dedicated in a large ceremony on October 28, 1886.

2. The Official Name

The Statue’s official name is “Liberty Enlightening The World,” originally a gift from the citizens of France. She was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, with the idea of showing freedom and democracy.

3. The Head Was in France for the World Fair

Only her right hand and torch were finished by 1876 and both were displayed at the American centennial exhibition.

In 1878 in France, the head of the statue was displayed at the World’s Fair.

statue of liberty with base
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

4. How Tall is It?

The total length of the Statue of Liberty is 151 feet. The equivalent of the length of the two tennis courts. The height of the Statue of Liberty is then doubled by the pedestal on which it stands.

5. What is the Statue of Liberty Made Of?

The Statue of Liberty is made of copper. The base is made of concrete and steel beams.

6. Who Designed It?

The steelwork frame of the statue was designed by the same man who designed the Eiffel Tower. The statue was created by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi with sheets of hammered copper.

7. How Many People Visit Each Year?

Over 3 million people visit this amazing Statue every year, and in 2022 (post-pandemic), 3.4 million people visited this iconic site.

8. Why is She Green?

The Statue of Liberty was originally reddish-brown but turned green over the next 30 years. The color is called “patina,” caused by a chemical reaction between copper and air, which creates a layer of copper carbonate that protects the copper from further weathering underneath.

9. How Much Does She Weigh?

The Statue of Liberty weighs 200,000 kilograms (approximately 450,000 pounds) which is more than 50 adult elephants. This includes the copper statue and base.

10. What is the Meaning Behind Her Design?

The universal concept of Liberty is based on the 7 Spikes present on the Crown. The 7 spikes represent the 7 Continents and 7 Oceans of the world.

11. The True Inspiration for the Statue of Liberty

The Roman Goddess Libertas was the real inspiration for the design of this statue.

statue of liberty
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

12. What is Inscribed on Her Tablet?

On the Tablet of Lady Liberty, the following words are inscribed:

“JULY IV MDCCLXXVI”

This is the Roman Numerical Date of the American Independence Day, July 4, 1776.

12. What’s Her Shoe Size?

The size of the Lady Liberty Shoe is 879. Good thing she has custom-made sandals.

13. How Did She End Up in New York?

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to Americans. After considering various factors, such as the Suez Canal, General William Tecumseh Sherman selected New York as the location for the symbol of Franco-American friendship.

14. The Original Torch

Lady Liberty’s Lobby Museum is the place where you can find the original torch of the Statue because it was replaced in 1984 with a copper torch covered in Gold Leaf.

15. She’s a Lightning Conductor

It is estimated that every year the Statue of Liberty is struck by 600 bolts of lightning. Thankfully, it is well grounded by its base of granite and steel beams.

16. How Much Did She Cost?

Estimates vary, however approximately $250,000 was the estimated cost to build the Statue of Liberty.

17. What Did It Take to Complete this Project?

The structure was built using over 300 different types of instruments, hammers, and construction materials. It took 9 years to complete. The project was divided into two main projects—the French built the statue, while the Americans built the base.

18. Where Are Her Feet?

Visitors can’t see Lady Liberty’s feet because of the pedestal’s placement and height.

statue of liberty with new york background and bay
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

19. New York or New Jersey?

The Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island, a part of New York- despite rumors that it is technically in New Jersey.

20. How Much Would It Cost to Build Today?

The $250,000 estimated cost of building the statue in the late 1800s is now estimated to be worth well over $50 million.

jiya

Wednesday 11th of May 2016

Hi Naveed,

Actually thanks for sharing information about statue of liberty,I was just fond of knowing its reality and history..and you did it in a short and nice way.

One thing I must appreciate about your writing is it attracts me and never makes my eyes watery and mouth yawning:)

Clicky

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