The Statue of Liberty is a giant statue located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from the people of France to the United States to celebrate 100 years of American independence! The statue was designed by a French sculptor named Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and was completed in 1884. It was shipped to the U.S. in 1885 in over 200 crates!
The statue stands 151 feet tall, but if you include the pedestal, it reaches 305 feet! The statue is made of copper, which has turned green over the years due to a process called oxidation. This green color is known as patina, and it actually protects the copper underneath.
One fun fact is that the statue has a broken chain at her feet, symbolizing the breaking of chains of oppression and slavery. She holds a torch in one hand, representing enlightenment and freedom, and a tablet in the other hand that reads July 4, 1776, the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Inside the statue, there are 354 steps leading up to the crown, where visitors can enjoy a fantastic view of New York City. Did you know that in the crown, there are seven spikes on her crown? They represent the seven continents and seas, symbolizing liberty and freedom across the world!
The Statue of Liberty National Monument was designated as a national monument in 1924. The statue has welcomed millions of immigrants arriving by ship to America, and it is often seen as a symbol of hope and opportunity.
Every year, more than 4 million people visit the statue, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States. The statue was also featured in several movies and books, including the famous film Planet of the Apes, where it is famously shown half-buried in sand.
In 1984, the statue underwent a major renovation to restore its original beauty. It was closed for a year, and the work included replacing the torch, which was covered in gold leaf. This shiny new torch was revealed to the public in 1986 during a big celebration for its centennial!
The Statue of Liberty continues to stand tall as a reminder of freedom and democracy, inspiring people all around the world.