Statue of Liberty
The statue was a gift to the people of the United States from the people of France in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution. Over the last 120 years, the Statue of Liberty has become an internationally-recognized symbol of freedom and democracy.
Creating Miss Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, known officially as “Liberty Enlightening the World,” was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and funded completely through donations from the French people.
The Statue of Liberty, known officially as “Liberty Enlightening the World,” was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and funded completely through donations from the French people.
After Bartholdi finalized the design in miniature, the statue itself was created using wooden molds, a copper shell, and an iron structure designed by Gustave Eiffel, who later built the Eiffel Tower.
On July 4, 1884, the 151-foot-tall, 225-ton Statue of Liberty was delivered to the American Ambassador in Paris. In order to transport Lady Liberty to New York, the statue was dismantled into 300 pieces and packed into 214 wooden crates.
Putting the Statue of Liberty on a Pedestal
Unfortunately, a lack of funds in the United States delayed the building of the pedestal. Fund-raising efforts stalled until Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of “The World” newspaper and noted for the Pulitzer Prize, decided to use his newspaper to push Americans to donate. The Statue was finally re-assembled on her new pedestal and dedicated on October 28, 1886.
Unfortunately, a lack of funds in the United States delayed the building of the pedestal. Fund-raising efforts stalled until Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of “The World” newspaper and noted for the Pulitzer Prize, decided to use his newspaper to push Americans to donate. The Statue was finally re-assembled on her new pedestal and dedicated on October 28, 1886.
Miss Liberty’s Measurements
The Statue of Liberty is just over 305 feet high from the ground to the tip of her torch. There are 354 steps inside the statue and its pedestal and 25 viewing windows in the crown.
The Statue of Liberty is just over 305 feet high from the ground to the tip of her torch. There are 354 steps inside the statue and its pedestal and 25 viewing windows in the crown.
There are seven rays on Liberty’s crown, symbolizing the seven seas and seven continents. Miss Liberty holds a tablet in her left hand that reads “July 4, 1776″ (in Roman numerals).
Restoration of the Statue of Liberty
In 1984, the United Nations designated the Statue of Liberty as a World Heritage Site and a massive restoration effort began. On July 5, 1986 the newly restored Statue re-opened to the public during Liberty Weekend, which celebrated her centennial.
In 1984, the United Nations designated the Statue of Liberty as a World Heritage Site and a massive restoration effort began. On July 5, 1986 the newly restored Statue re-opened to the public during Liberty Weekend, which celebrated her centennial.
The Statue of Liberty was closed after the tragedy of September 11, 2001 and did not re-open until August 3, 2004.
Statue of Liberty Quick Facts
Inside Statue of Liberty's crown
- The Statue of Liberty celebrates her birthday on October 28th in honor of the day she was officially accepted by the president of the United States in 1886.
- Visitors must climb 354 stairs to reach the Statue of Liberty’s crown (or take an elevator to a lower lookout point).
- There are 25 windows in Lady Liberty’s crown.
- The seven spikes on the Statue of Liberty’s crown represent either the seven oceans or the seven continents.
- The statue is made of copper and is now green in color because of oxidation (a chemical reaction between metal and water) from evaporation of the seawater surrounding it.
- The Staue of Liberty weighs 450,000 pounds (204, 100 kilograms).
- The Statue of Liberty has size 879 sandals that are each 25 feet (7.6m) long.
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