The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and also one of the icons of New York City. It is one of the enduring symbols of freedom, inspiration and hope that receives an average of 4.5 million visitors annually. Figures that make this monument located on Liberty Island, south of Manhattan Island, next to the mouth of the Hudson River, one of the most visited in the world.
However, beyond the majesty of this imposing figure, there are hidden secrets that many people do not know about it. So we invite you to meet them and discover what makes the Statue of Liberty so interesting.
1. It is of French origin
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French government to the United States to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4th, 1776. This symbol of French-American friendship was built in France in parts by French artist and architect Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. Who had the help of a team of workers who worked ten hours a day, seven days a week over 8 years (from 1876 to 1884).
On July 4th, 1884, it was officially gifted to the United States. Although it would not be until 1885 when the 350 individual pieces of the statue were finally disassembled. Which they packed in 214 boxes and sent on a long boat trip from France to New York.
2. The original name of the Statue of Liberty
Although today we all know it as the Statue of Liberty, its original and official name is a little longer and grander: “Liberty Enlightening the World”.
3. The Statue of Liberty celebrates its birthday on October 28th
Although Lady Liberty as it is also known arrived in New York in 1885, the pedestal on which it would stand still had to be built. So its official inauguration would finally take place on October 28th, 1886, with the presence of President Grover Cleveland and the sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. Since then, the statue celebrates its birthday every October 28th.
4. Inspiration to create the Statue of Liberty
This statue with the body of a woman and dressed in a toga is inspired by works of classical culture. In fact, it is believed that from the symbologies used, among others, the crown of rays and the torch, it would be inspired by the Greek goddess Hecate. Although various sources claim that the female figure with a tunic represents Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom.
As for the face, there are several theories. One of which says that the model Isabella Eugenie Boyer, widow of millionaire inventor Isaac Singer, was used for the face. Although the most widespread theory says that the author was inspired by the face of his mother, Charlotte Bartholdi. Perhaps, he simply wanted to make a mixture of several female faces in order to create a neutral and impersonal image of Freedom, taking as inspiration the realistic concept of ancient Hellenic art.
5. Its measurements are impressive
From the ground to the top of the torch, the Statue of Liberty stands approximately 93 meters tall and weighs 225 metric tons. In addition, it is covered by a layer of copper 2.38 millimetres thick (which is less than the thickness of two pennies on the dollar).
Other little-known dimensions are that of the tablet measuring 7.19 meters and the right arm extended towards the sky, measuring 12.80 meters. For its part, the face measures 3.05 meters and its largest nail 65 cm, while the size of its feet is 7.65 meters and that of its waist is 11 meters.
A curious fact is that its visitors must climb 377 steps to reach the crown of the statue.
6. Symbolism of the Statue of Liberty
Its crown represented the light with its peaks that evoked the rays of the sun that extended towards the world. Although according to experts it can also represent the seven oceans and the seven continents. While the tablet inscribed with July 4th, 1776 in Roman numerals, indicates the independence of the United States.
An inconspicuous detail to many is that, to symbolize the end of slavery, Bartholdi placed a broken shackle and chains at the foot of the statue. In fact, the statue also has its right foot raised, representing its moving away from oppression and slavery. For its part, the torch, which lights up the world, was covered with thin sheets of 24-karat gold during the 1986 restoration. The original is in the museum.
7. Why is it green?
Although it looks like paint, the statue’s peculiar green colour is due to the oxidation of the copper. In reality, the metal is slightly damaged and corroded, since with the passage of time and due to the effects of meteorological phenomena it has acquired that tonality. A colour that has become its sign of identity.
8. It has been struck by more than one lightning bolt
It is believed that since the Lady Liberty was built, it has been hit by around 600 lightning strikes a year. A phenomenon first captured in 2010 by a photographer. Although the rays are not the only ones that the statue has to endure. Since it also has to cope with winds of 144 kilometres per hour, which cause it to swing up to 7.6 centimetres, and the torch to move forward and backward up to 15 centimetres.
9. It is not the only one in the world
Although if it is the largest, there are several replicas of the Statue of Liberty, including a smaller version in Paris and one on Las Vegas Strip in Nevada.
10. It was also used as a lighthouse
Between 1886 and 1906, the Statue of Liberty was used as a lighthouse. Although the power was not high enough to guide the ships after sunset. Reason why it was discontinued as such after 16 years.
ALFA