Facts about Statue of Liberty

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1.Father of the Statue of Liberty

The idea of the Statue of Liberty was proposed by Edouard de Laboulaye, a prominent French political thinker. Laboulaye proposed making a monument for the United States in 1865 following the Union victory in Civil War. This victory reaffirmed the ideals of democracy and freedom and Laboulaye argued that respecting the U.S. would help strengthen democracy in France. He held that abolishment of slavery in 1865 in the U.S. was a major victory that proved liberty and justice for all was achievable.

2.Crafted by a French Sculptor

The Statue of Liberty was designed by a French Sculptor named Frederic Auguste Bartholdi.  After the proposal to create a monument that represents democracy and freedom by Edouard de Laboulaye in 1865, Bartholdi supported the idea and started crafting the Statue in 1870. It was dubbed “Liberty Enlightening the World”.

3.The Robbed Woman Statue was Originally meant for Egypt’s Suez  Canal

The Egyptian government first expressed interest in creating a lighthouse for Suez Canal in 1869. Bartholdi eagerly designed a huge statue showing a robed woman and a torch held up. He called this stature, Egypt or Progress Brings Light to Asia. During the canal’s inauguration, Bartholdi was told that he could not proceed with the design of the lighthouse.

4.A Gift of Friendship, A Symbol of Freedom

The Statue of Liberty was given as a friendship gift to the people of United States by the people of France. Standing 151 feet high, the Statue of Liberty has become a symbol of democracy and freedom for people across the world. Its toes belong to a popular American lady who was not born in America.

5.Statue of Liberty’s Arrival to  America

The Statue of Liberty had to be dismantled into 350 pieces then packed in 214 crates for it to be shipped to the United States. Four months later, the shipment arrived in New York on 19th June, 1885. It was reassembled on the Bedloe’s Island, which was later renamed the Liberty Island in 1956. The Statue was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on 28th October, 1886.

 6.Welcoming Immigrants

Between 1892 and 1943, the Statue of Liberty welcomed over 12 million immigrants to the United States. It stood near the Ellis Island Immigration Station which opened in 1892 and was a key entry point for immigrants getting into the United States.

7.Recognized as one of 19th Century’s Greatest Technical Achievements

The Statue of Liberty was commended for bridging art and engineering during its dedication. A hollow massive structure composed of thin pounded copper sheets laid over a steel framework, the statue was designed by a sculptor Frederic Bartholdi and an engineer Gustave Eiffel. Its construction and design became one of the technical achievements in the 19th century.

8.Funded by People

The Statue of Liberty represents a masterpiece of human creative thoughts and spirit. Funds for the creation of the Statue were raised through international subscriptions.  Upon its arrival in the United States, some of the funds used to erect it were raised by American school children.

 9.Associated with Populating the United States

The Statue of Liberty welcomed immigrants to the United States through the New York Harbor. It is materially and directly associated with an event of universal significance which is populating the U.S. In the second half of 19th century, the U.S. served as the melting pot for disparate people and the statue strengthens this figurative interest.

10.The Statue’s Torch is Covered with Gold

The current torch on the statue’s arm was replaced in 1986. The original torch was removed and kept in the lobby. The current torch is made from copper and is covered with a 24 gold leaf. During the day, the gold reflects sunlight and during the night, it reflects floodlights.

 

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