10 Amazing Facts About the Statue of Liberty
From the very beginning, the USA’s Statue of Liberty was intended to be a symbol of freedom. Conceived by French intellectual Édouard de Laboulaye in 1865, Lady Liberty remains one of the most iconic monuments in the world and continues to be a beacon of hope to this day.
Here are 10 amazing facts that shed light on this American icon.
1. A Long Haul
It took French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi over 10 years to design and create the 151ft-tall figure known in full as Liberty Enlightening the World.
2. Lady Liberty’s Original Meaning
The original idea for the statue was to celebrate the end of slavery in the US, depicting the Statue of Liberty holding broken chains in one hand. However, this concept wasn’t well received. Nevertheless, sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi included broken chains at the feet of the statue, though they often go largely unnoticed.
3. Off-Limits
Access to the torch has been prohibited since the Statue of Liberty was damaged during the Black Tom explosion on July 30, 1916. That copper torch was replaced with a copper flame coated in 24K gold in 1986. The original torch is on display at the Statue of Liberty Museum in New York Harbor.
4. A Familiar Name
The Statue of Liberty’s iron skeleton was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same visionary responsible for the Eiffel Tower.
5. Lady Liberty Hasn’t Been Properly Washed in Years
The green patina that the Statue of Liberty is known for actually protects her copper exterior from harsh environmental factors. Remarkably, she hasn’t been properly cleaned in over 130 years.
6. She Likes to Move It
In high winds, the Statue of Liberty can sway up to three inches in either direction, while her torch can sway up to five inches. This flexibility is critical to her structural integrity.
7. The Shocking Truth
Interestingly, it is believed that the Statue of Liberty is struck by an average of 600 bolts of lightning each year, showcasing her resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
8. Joseph Pulitzer Got a Little Help from His Friends
When funds were low to erect the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty, publisher Joseph Pulitzer initiated a fundraising campaign that garnered contributions from approximately 120,000 people. Many donated less than a dollar, collectively raising $100,000 in just six months.
9. Dear Mama
The face of the Statue of Liberty was modeled after sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi’s mother, adding a personal touch to this iconic representation of freedom.
10. Hollywood Star
The Statue of Liberty has been destroyed nearly 20 times in movies, with the most famous scene occurring in the 1968 version of Planet of the Apes, where the statue is cut in half and partially buried in the sand.
