By Mcj1800 – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about the Statue of Liberty


 

The Statue of Liberty is one famous landmark and is synonymous with the City of New York.

It stands on its island that makes her stand out. This statue is a permanent symbol of freedom that has welcomed immigrants to the United States since the late 19th century.

The Statue has been a representation of the American principles for immigrants coming to the country throughout history.

Hundreds of thousands of people get on to the ferry at Manhattan to Liberty island to marvel at her grandeur.

There is a lot to learn about the Statue of Liberty. Here are the top 10 facts about her.

1. The statue was modelled after a real person

By Wikimedia

Yes, you read that right, most people get surprised when they learn that Lady Liberty was designed after a real person.

She was modelled after the mother of Frederic Bartholdi, the designer of the statue. He mentioned that it was his mother’s look-alike in 1876.

Bartholdi even gifted a French minister a pocket-sized version of the statue.

He revealed that his inspiration was the giant figures guarding Nubian tombs. This made him develop an interest in creating large monuments.

Historians, however, argue that the statue was made to resemble Libertas who was a Roman goddess of freedom.

2. She has been struck by lightning several times

There is a saying that goes, lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice. Well, this does not apply to the Statue of Liberty.

It has been struck by lightning several times before. Some people believe the number could be around 600 bolts of lightning per year.

One photographer was able to capture a spectacular sight of the statue being hit by lightning.

Since she is made of metal and is tall, these make her a lightning rod on liberty Island.  The good thing is she is well-grounded with massive concrete and the granite pedestal she stands on.

3. The Statue of Liberty is symbolic

By Edward Moran – Wikimedia

Without a doubt the Statue of Liberty is symbolic. It has been a tourist magnet since its installation on the island.

Every aspect of her has a deep meaning. Her crown halo bears seven rays that represent the rays of the sun, seven continents and seven seas of the world.

She is also holding a book that has the date of the American Declaration of Independence signed on 4th July 1776.

The Statue relays hope and spreads liberty all over the world.

Her feet are chained with broken shackles and face southeast to welcome immigrant ships to the United States.

She was initially perceived as a symbol of friendship between the people of France and the U.S.

These two countries had the same desire for liberty. It embodies hope and opportunity for those after the American dream.

4. The Statue of Liberty was Once Was a Lighthouse

The Statue of Liberty once functioned as a lighthouse between 1886 to 1902.

There was an electric plant on the Island that produced power for the light, which could be seen as far as 24 miles away.

Her light guided ships and sailors who went about their business on the ocean. She served as a beacon for travellers.

The Statue of Liberty was turned into a lighthouse two years after she was installed on the island.

She diligently guided seafarers for 16 years and was relieved from the task since her light became too dim for ships.

5. She sways in the wind

By 0x010C – Wikimedia

Although she is massive and looks steady, lady liberty sways in the wind. Do not worry because she will not topple over.

The unique skeleton of the statue was designed by Gustave Eiffel. He made it such a way that it would be able to sway in strong winds without bending or cracking.

This statue can sway up to 3 inches in either direction while the torch can sway up to inches in strong winds.

6. The Statue was not a gift from France to the USA

This is probably what most people believe the Statue of Liberty is.

Well, the designer of the statue, Auguste Bartholdi pitched for the USA to build a massive lighthouse shaped like a woman.

Bartholdi travelled to America exploring and campaigning for funds for his statue. He was however unsuccessful and had to come up with another idea.

His next strategy was to put up exciting shows in Paris where he charged a fee to watch the construction of the statue.

Bartholdi finally got the attention of Joseph Pulitzer who printed names of the donors that supported his cause. This boosted the sale of the newspaper while marketing the statue.

People bought the newspaper just to see their names.

7. The Statue of Liberty was meant for Egypt

By Albert Fernique – Wikimedia

This may come as a surprise to many. The initial destination for the Statue of Liberty was the Suez Canal in Egypt.

Bartholdi had travelled to Egypt and was fascinated by a project he saw. The Egyptians were digging a channel between the Mediterranean and Red sea.

Back in Paris, he met with an Egyptian official at the Paris World Fair in 1876. He proposed creating something close to the Egyptian pyramids and sphinxes.

Bartholdi then went ahead and designed a gigantic woman-structure holding a lamp while wearing a loose-fitting dress commonly worn by slaves.

This massive statue was to stand at the entrance of the Suez Canal. Unfortunately, the Egyptians did not buy into his idea.

8. The Statue of Liberty is on the move

Well not literally. I earlier mentioned that she sways in the wind but that’s not it.

If you look closely at the Statue of Liberty, you will notice that one of her massive feet is raised and is positioned on a forward movement.

This pose makes her look like she is matching forward with her right leg being on mid-stride. It symbolizes her leading the way to liberty and freedom.

The broken shackle on her feet indicates that nothing is holding her back.

9. At least 5 Million people go to see The Statue of Liberty annually

The Statue of Liberty is the main attraction on liberty island and in New York.

At least 5 million tourists cross the ferry and land on liberty island to marvel at her.

There is also a Statue of Liberty Museum that was recently opened and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration on the island.

10. The Statue wasn’t always green

By Edward Moran – Wikimedia

When the Statue of Liberty was first assembled, she was brown and was like that for three and a half decades.

The copper colour oxidized over time and turned into the green we see today.

Bonus Fact of the day;

11. You should see her interior

The interior of the Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular attractions for tourists.

Get inside and climb up to her crown where you will find 25 windows overlooking the City of New York and the harbour.

 

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