The Statue of Liberty has been seen in countless movies and referenced in several books. Standing tall and proud with a lit torch, The Statue of Liberty possesses a seasoned past while welcoming visitors to the Land of the Free. For tourists and locals, Lady Liberty is a statue that represents freedom. A trip to The Big Apple is not complete without visiting one of the world's most popular landmarks!
When visiting the statue random facts will bombard the average tourist. However, here's some unusual things about the statue that many travelers may not be aware of. Take a look at these surprising facts about New York City's most iconic tourist attraction!
10 She Was A Gift From France
Origins date back to the 18th century when Édouard René de Laboulaye suggested erecting a monument dedicated to the unity of France and the United States. The iconic statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. He wanted to design a statue that represented "American liberty." The statue was completed in 1886, during the celebration of the slavery abolishment and the end of the American Civil War.
9 The Statue Of Liberty Was Modeled After A Goddess.
Specifically, she was inspired by the Roman goddess Libertas, the Goddess of Freedom. To ancient Romans, Libertas was a symbol of freedom and independence, who granted freedom to the oppressed, both men and women.
8 She Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site
According to WHO, Lady Liberty has outstanding universal value, who represents the human spirit and the friendship between French and United States Citizens. The Statue of Liberty is meant to symbolize virtuous values such as freedom, human rights, and democracy.
7 Her Intricate Design Is Full Of Symbolism
While Lady Liberty herself represents freedom, her garments and accessories are also pieces of symbolism. For example, visitors will take note of the shackles that are around her feet, which represent the abolition of slavery. Her mighty crown is a symbol of sun rays, extending to all corners of the world. Meanwhile, the tablet she's holding reads "July 4, 1776" in Roman numerals, which is the date Americans gained their independence.
6 Lady Liberty's Torch Is An Upgrade From The Original
The statue's creator, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, wanted the statue's torch to shine brightly during the day by use of a copper sheet, which would appear shiny under the sun. The torch was constantly modified throughout the century. In the 1980s, experts deduced that Bartholdi's original design cannot be restored. Since then, Lady Liberty's torch has been replaced with glass. Meanwhile, her original torch sits on display at the Statue of Liberty Museum, for all to see.
5 There Is A Dedicated Team Of Experts For Restoration
Centuries of harsh weather, rain, snow, and other climatic conditions can wear down a statue from its original state. Thankfully, since 1982, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation (SOLEIF) has employed thousands of laborers and experts to restore Lady Liberty to her former glory. Since their induction, SOLEIF has replaced the statue's torch, strengthened the crown's rays, and installed new elevators at the statue's base. The Foundation is dedicated to preserving the beauty of Lady Liberty while educating visitors about her history.
4 She Has A Little Sister!
Nicknamed "Little Sister", this 9-foot, 1,000-pound statue sits in front of the home to DC's French Ambassador. This statue--which is 16th times smaller than the original--is being loaned to the Americans by France for 10 years, which signifies the relations between the two nations. The statue was shipped by vessel and was presented on Independence Day in 2021.
3 Replicas Are Everywhere Around The World
Her powerful symbolism of human freedom makes The Statue of Liberty worthy of replication. Around the world, much smaller statue replicas of Lady Liberty around the world. In Canada, smaller statues depicting the original, 300-foot statue can be seen in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Steinbach, Manitoba. Meanwhile, in Brazil, visitors can spot a replica of Lady Liberty at Rio de Janeiro's New York City Center and in Maceio, Alagoas.
2 She Was Originally Brown (Not Green)
The iconic green hues of the statue were unintentional when she was first unveiled in 1886 (in fact, she was a penny-like bronze). In only 5 years, she turned into a green-blue color, thanks to science! The statue is made using hundreds of copper sheets; naturally, due to the exposure of oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide over time, the copper developed oxidized layers of patina. Many travelers can agree, her iconic green hue suits her perfectly!
1 Lady Liberty Is Made Out Of Copper That Is Two Pennies Thick.
Standing proud at 305 feet tall, the Statue of Liberty was made using 31 tons of copper and 125 tons of steel. The copper metal sheet used to construct the statue is only 2.4 millimeters thick, which is the same thickness as two American pennies stuck together. The statue may sway if it catches winds that are traveling 50 miles an hour!