Welcome to the world of symbols of freedom, democracy, and justice! The Statue of Liberty 🗽 is not just a national monument of the United States. It is also the Statue of Liberty Island: a Symbol of Freedom, Democracy, and Justice in the World. Located in New York on Liberty Island, it embodies the ideals of independence and democracy, attracting millions of tourists each year.
Its name is derived from the island on which it stands. There are many controversies and mysteries surrounding it.
The Statue of Liberty is situated in Upper New York Bay on Liberty Island (formerly known as Bedloe’s Island). Original the island’s inhabitants were Native Americans who called it Minnisais. The island is located at the confluence of the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay and covers an area of four acres.
In 1758, the territory of the island was transferred to the jurisdiction of New York authorities. Twelve years later, it came under the jurisdiction of the federal government of the United States of America. The first settlers from the mainland referred to it as Great Oyster Island.
By 1841, the island was surrounded by fortifications in the shape of an 11-pointed star. The island gained worldwide fame due to the installation of the Statue of Liberty. In 1956, it received its modern name—Liberty Island. Ten years later, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the United States.
You can reach this national symbol of American democracy from the Battery Park dock in Manhattan. Tour excursions include visits to two islands—Liberty and the neighboring Ellis Island. These islands house the Liberty Museum and the National Immigration Museum.
A Huge Neoclassical Monument
The Statue of Liberty, as a Symbol of Freedom and Democracy, is a massive neoclassical monument. It depicts a woman holding a tablet in her left hand inscribed with the date: July 4, 1776—the day of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States from Great Britain—and a flaming torch raised in her right hand. The statue’s head is crowned, and at its feet lie broken chains, symbolizing the liberation of America and the world from tyranny.
Inside the Statue of Liberty, there are two observation decks. The first is located at the base of the monument, at the level of a 16-story building, which can be accessed by elevator. The best panoramic view is from the second deck, located in the crown at a height of 93 meters. To get there, one must take the elevator and then climb an additional 144 steps.
In the pedestal, which is shaped like a 5-pointed star, there is a museum dedicated to the history of the monument’s creation. The height of the Statue of Liberty is about 92 meters. It is primarily made of copper—a metal resistant to corrosion from salty air. The supporting structures are made of flexible iron pylons, providing the statue with stability and resistance to strong winds. 125 tons the weight of the frame is , the weight of the outer cladding is 31 tons, and the weight of the concrete base is about 25,500 tons. The pedestal is made of granite.
The History of the Statue of Liberty: Symbol of Freedom and Democracy
Once, Ellis Island served as the main point of arrival for immigrants. While Liberty Island was home to a statue that served as a symbol of welcome for those arriving at Ellis.
According to one version, the prototype for the Statue of Liberty was the ancient Greek goddess Hecate, associated with moonlight, darkness, and witchcraft. Another version points to the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis, who embodies femininity and motherhood. However, in terms of physical appearance, the statue resembles Hecate more, both in body structure and clothing. There is also a third version, which suggests that the prototype for the Statue of Liberty is the Colossus of Rhodes—a monument dedicated to the sun god Helios. Although the sculpture itself was lost, it is known that the deity’s head was crowned with a pointed crown, and its body was covered with metal plates resembling fabric.
Who Built the Statue of Liberty
The idea of creating this monument did not originate with Americans, but with the French. The founder of the anti-slavery society in France, Édouard de Laboulaye, decided to make a grand gift. He wanted to strengthen the relationship between France and the United States. During an official dinner, de Laboulaye voiced his idea in the presence of sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. The sculptor immediately realized that the project would bring him worldwide fame and decided to take on its realization. However, he first personally visited New York in search of a suitable location for the future statue.
Quickly finding the island, Bartholdi decided that there could be no better place. After resolving organizational issues, the sculptor returned to France, where he began to contemplate the image of the statue. De Laboulaye added symbolism by deciding to dedicate the gift to the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in America.
The work turned out to be extremely complex. By the centennial of independence, only the torch was ready, which was showcased at an exhibition dedicated to this date. The subsequent process progressed even more slowly.
The internal structure of the statue seemed unreliable, as it was too massive, and the project nearly failed. However, Gustave Eiffel saved the situation by developing a framework with reinforced fastenings, rods, and crossbars. Thanks to this, the figure gained flexibility: in strong winds, it could sway but would not fall.
The Statue of Liberty was built with donations from the French. However, the American side, represented by the new governor of New York, Grover Cleveland, refused to participate financially. This caused outrage among the French, who demanded that the statue remain in France. However, Joseph Pulitzer intervened in the situation. He organized a fundraising campaign and quickly raised the necessary $50,000 to complete the project.
The History of the Construction of the Statue of Liberty
The process of creating and implementing the Statue of Liberty project lasted nearly ten years. By 1885, the statue was completed, after which it was disassembled into 350 pieces for transportation to the American island, where it needed to be reassembled. This stage took another four months. Meanwhile, preparations for the foundation and pedestal were underway.
The assembly of the Statue of Liberty was completed in early autumn 1886. In the grand opening took place on October 28 of the same year.
Remains The statue the main symbol of America and the tallest sculpture in the country.
The symbolism of the Statue of Liberty consists of being a Symbol of Freedom and Democracy.
Symbolism:
- Torch
The torch held in the right hand of the statue symbolizes the illumination of the path to freedom. For nearly a year, the flame within it burned brightly. In 1886, the torch was covered in 24-karat gold, reflecting the sun’s rays. - Book
This object is actually a tablet of law, symbolizing the declaration of the creation of the independent USA. - Crown
The crown of the Statue of Liberty has sparked numerous debates. It may hint at a divine origin or a halo. According to one interpretation, the seven rays of the crown symbolize the seven continents of the Earth. while another suggests they represent the seven seas of the world. Undoubtedly, the appearance of the Statue of Liberty resembles the Roman goddess of freedom, Libertas, whose head is adorned with a crown of seven rays in many depictions. - Fingers and Feet
At the base of the statue lie broken chains, a shattered shackle, and the head of an axe. This symbolizes the end of the era of tyranny. Notably, the statue features “Greek feet” (the second toe is longer than the big toe), hinting at the divine origin of the statue. The figure appears to be in motion, with its right foot poised on the tiptoe, as if in the act of walking.
Interesting Facts about the Statue of Liberty
- Cost of the Statue
This grand sculptural project cost France 10 million dollars. - Jurisdiction of the Statue
The Statue of Liberty belongs to the state of New York. The island on which the statue is located is owned by New York City. However, it is geographically part of New Jersey, as the border between the states runs through the Hudson River, separating Liberty and Manhattan.
As for the color of the statue, it has a green hue, but it was not always this way.
During the first few years of its existence, the monument had a golden-pink color. Over time, the copper from which it is made developed a patina, leading to the statue’s color changing to green.
It is known that the sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi had a model, but her name remains unknown.
However, the features of the statue’s figure and face clearly resemble those of the sculptor’s mother, to whom he bore a striking resemblance. Therefore, there is a theory that there was no model. Hat Bartholdi created the Statue of Liberty based on his own likeness, but in a feminine form.