The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy located in New York Harbor. It stands as a reminder of the shared values between the United States and France, who gifted the statue to the United States in 1886. Managed by the National Park Service, the Statue of Liberty is a beloved landmark of New York City and one of the most visited attractions in the world. Here are 10 amazing facts about the Statue of Liberty that you may not have known!
1) The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France
In 1884, the French government offered a gift to the United States: a copper statue of Lady Liberty, to commemorate the American Revolution and the friendship between the two nations. The Statue of Liberty was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and was constructed in France before being disassembled and shipped to New York for assembly.
The Statue of Liberty National Monument, which includes the Statue, was established in 1924 and is administered by the National Park Service. The Statue was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and was designated a National Monument in 1933.
Today, the Statue of Liberty stands tall as a symbol of freedom and democracy and is visited by millions of people each year. Its iconic torch and crown are a beacon of hope to the world
2) The official name of the Statue is Liberty Enlightening the World
The Statue of Liberty is a treasured American icon and symbol of freedom throughout the world. In its full title, “Liberty Enlightening the World”, the Statue has come to represent hope and the ideals of democracy and freedom that the United States was founded upon. The name was chosen by the French government when they gifted the statue to the United States in 1886. The National Park Service is responsible for protecting the Statue of Liberty and preserving its historical significance.
3) The Statue is 151 feet tall
Standing tall in the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. According to the National Park Service, the Statue of Liberty stands 151 feet tall from the ground to the top of the torch. Her height is a testament to the grandeur of the gesture of her gifters, France, and the ambition of her receiver, the United States. Not only is the Statue a symbolic representation of liberty, but it is also an impressive sight to behold.
4) The tablet in the Statue’s hand has the date July 4th, 1776
The Statue of Liberty stands tall in the harbor of New York City, a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy. The tablet that Lady Liberty holds in her right hand has an inscription that reads “July 4, 1776” – the date of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This date commemorates the beginning of America’s independence from British rule and the birth of the United States. According to the National Park Service, this inscription was included in the statue as a reminder of America’s struggle for independence and liberty. It serves as a reminder to all Americans of the power of freedom and self-governance.
5) There are 354 steps inside the Statue
Visitors to the Statue of Liberty have been able to climb the winding stairway since 1886. The first 100 steps, from the base of the monument up to the balcony around the torch, were originally part of the original design. However, the remaining 254 steps were added in 1916 by the National Park Service to make it possible for visitors to reach the crown.
The 354 steps inside the Statue of Liberty are not easy to climb. It is a steep climb and visitors should expect to get a bit winded when they reach the top. The National Park Service recommends that people over 60 or those with heart or respiratory problems should not attempt the climb. If visitors do decide to tackle the 354 steps inside the Statue, they will be rewarded with spectacular views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.
6) Lady Liberty wears a size 879 sandal
The Statue of Liberty is a beloved national symbol, and her sandals are no exception. According to the National Park Service, the iconic statue wears a size 879 sandal. The feet themselves are 3 feet wide and 8 feet high, and the sandals are made of copper. While the Statue is 151 feet tall, her sandals add an extra 8 inches to her height!
The Statue of Liberty was designed by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who wanted to make sure the Statue had an impressive stature. That’s why he added the large sandals to the statue, as well as a crown that is seven rays wide. The Statue of Liberty is not only an impressive sight to behold but also a monument to freedom that stands tall thanks in part to Lady Liberty’s size 879 sandals.
7) The Statue’s torch is gold leaf
The Statue of Liberty’s iconic torch, which is held high in her right hand, is a symbol of enlightenment and freedom. According to the National Park Service, it is covered in 24k gold leaf, making it a stunning beacon of light that has come to represent hope and democracy around the world. The torch was originally designed to be lit from within by an oil-fueled lamp, but this proved impractical and was replaced with electric lighting in 1916. The Statue’s torch has become a global symbol of freedom and is one of the most recognizable images associated with the United States.
8) There are 25 windows in the crown
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of America and one of the most recognized monuments in the world. It was a gift from France, and its official name is Liberty Enlightening the World. It stands 151 feet tall, with a tablet in its hand bearing the date July 4th, 1776. The Statue of Liberty is much more than just an impressive sight to behold; it is also home to many interesting features. One such feature is the 25 windows in the crown, which were added during the restoration work done by the National Park Service in 1984. The seven rays on her crown represent the seven seas and seven continents. The windows are each 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width, and they allow natural light into the interior of the statue. This is just one of the many fascinating facts about this remarkable monument.
9) The seven rays on her crown represent the seven seas and seven continents
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. The copper statue stands at 151 feet tall and was a gift from France to the United States. Lady Liberty holds a tablet with the date of July 4th, 1776 in her hand, which commemorates the Declaration of Independence. On the head of the Statue are seven rays extending outward that represent the seven seas and seven continents.
The rays were intended to show the concept of universal liberty, which symbolizes the idea that freedom should extend to all people, no matter where they live. As explained by the National Park Service, “the crown symbolizes enlightenment, which is accomplished when knowledge is shared around the world.” The statue has become an important representation of freedom and democracy throughout the world and continues to inspire millions.
10) The Statue of Liberty was closed for repairs from 1984 to 1986
In 1984, the National Park Service began a major restoration project for the Statue of Liberty. The goal of this project was to restore the exterior of the statue and repair all the internal structures, including the stairways and elevators.
The repairs were done by workers from the US Army Corps of Engineers, who had to work in difficult conditions because of the height of the statue. During this period, the public was not allowed to climb the statue as access was limited to personnel only.
Finally, after two years of hard work and dedication, the repairs were completed in 1986. The re-opening ceremony was attended by President Ronald Reagan, who declared that day a national holiday in order to commemorate the grand event.
Since then, the Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom and democracy for millions of visitors each year. It is also an important part of American history, representing many of our core values as a nation.