Statue of Liberty is the most impressive and noticeable symbol of the world. This giant monument is an embodiment of liberty, hope and opportunity, and it towers over New York Harbor. It was the first sight of America of millions of immigrants, and it is still being admired by millions of people who visit the country. Nevertheless, in addition to its recognizable image, the Statue of Liberty has a long and interesting history. That is why it is better to learn five interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty to comprehend better why this monument inspires people of all generations
Fact 1: France presented the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a Gift
Among the most intriguing facts of the Statue of Liberty, the fact that France gave it to the United States is one of the most interesting. The idea was suggested in the middle of the 19th century by French historian Édouard René de Laboulaye to honor the friendship between the two nations. Furthermore, he was interested in respecting the common liberties and democracy.
The sculpture was designed by a French sculptor known as Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, and financed by French citizens. In the meantime, the pedestal was financed by the Americans on a donation basis. As a result, it turned out to have been the work of multiple hands of a joint endeavor instead of a unilateral gift. This alliance reinforced diplomatic relationships and represented the national identity between countries.
France also finished the sculpture in Paris and then disintegrated it into hundreds of parts. Thus, the Statue of Liberty was already a symbol of international collaboration even before it appeared on the American soil.
Fact 2: The Statue is a depiction of Libertas, the Roman Goddess of Freedom
The other striking fact is that the Statue of Liberty also portrays the Roman Goddess of freedom, Libertas. Bartholdi selected this character purposefully since the figure of the Libertas was a symbol of freedom, fairness, and emancipation. Consequently, all the parts of the statue have some symbolic significance.
As an example, the torch is a symbol of enlightenment and development. In the meantime, a tablet she is holding in her left hand shows the date July 4, 1776, and the American independence.
There are chains that are broken at her feet, which is a metaphor of freedom of oppression and tyranny. Due to these details, the statue conveys a strong message without uttering words. Thus, it serves as an art and a statement of values as well.
Fact 3: Gustave Eiffel Aided in the design of the internal structure of the Statue
The exterior of the statue is admired by a large number of people, but not many people are aware of the fact that Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who constructed the Eiffel Tower, assisted in the design of its internal structure. Eiffel developed an iron structure that carries the exterior which is made of copper and the statue can withstand heavy winds.
This new design enables the copper skin to swing and crack freely. Therefore, the statue has been able to endure weather over the years. It was a solution in engineering that was an advanced thinking of the 19 th century.
Also, the work of Eiffel made sure that there was not a lack of flexibility in the statue as it could be tall. Thus, the Statue of Liberty is not only the object of art but also the work of engineering masterwork.
Fact 4: The Statue of Liberty Was Not Green in the First Place
Nevertheless, the statue used to be shiny brown due to the fact that constructors used copper sheets to create the outer layer of the statue. The copper was exposed to air and moisture and thus oxidized over time.
Consequently, a green film slowly grew over time in several decades. This is a natural chemical process used to keep the copper under it uncorroded. As such, the green color is more functional, but not ornamental.
Surprisingly, the authorities used to think of cleaning the statue to give it its original color. Nevertheless, the professionals recommended it to be avoided since the patina serves as a barrier. As a result, the green color was an iconic and signature attribute of the statue.
Fact 5: The Statue of Liberty was turned into a Symbol of Immigration and Hope
- Probably the strongest fact concerning the Statue of Liberty is that it is a symbol of immigration and hope. Between the late 19 th and early 20 th century, millions of immigrants reported to the United States in the form of ship. The moment they entered the New York Harbor, the statue appeared tall.
- To a large number of people, this was the symbol of liberty, a chance, and a fresh start. As well, this meaning was reinforced in the poem The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus. Its well-known lines, Give me thy tired, thy poor, made the statue a friendly one to the downtrodden.
- This led to the Statue of Liberty having a strong association with the immigrant experience. Even nowadays, it reminds the people of the struggles and dreams that made the nation.
The Pedestal and American Effort
In the construction of the statue, France produced the statue, whereas Americans constructed the pedestal. Fundraising was not successful at first and newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer promoted donations by the people via his newspaper. Consequently, thousands of common people gave little sums. This cooperative work supported the meaning of this statue. It was not a preserve of elites but that of the people. Thus, the pedestal was a symbol of participation and collective responsibility in democracy.