Overview of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, in the United States. It is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy, and was a gift from the people of France to the United States.
The Statue of Liberty stands 305 feet (93 meters) tall from the base of the pedestal to the tip of the torch. It was the tallest structure in New York City until the construction of the Empire State Building in 1931.
History of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
The Statue of Liberty was originally 151 feet (46 meters) tall, but the height was increased to 305 feet (93 meters) when the pedestal was completed in 1886. The height of the statue itself is 111 feet (34 meters).
Structure of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is made of copper sheets, which were hammered into shape and joined together. It is supported by an iron framework designed by engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel.
The statue consists of three parts: the pedestal (which is 154 feet (47 meters) tall), the statue itself (which is 111 feet (34 meters) tall), and the torch (which is 92 feet (28 meters) tall).
Features of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is adorned with a crown, seven spikes representing the seven seas and seven continents, and a tablet inscribed with the date of the United States Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776).
The statue’s face is said to be a representation of Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom. Her right arm holds a torch aloft, and her left arm holds a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence.
Visiting the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is open to visitors, who can access the pedestal and the base of the statue by ferry. Visitors can also climb to the crown of the statue, which offers views of the New York City skyline and the harbor.
Ferry to Liberty Island
Visitors can take a ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or from Liberty State Park in New Jersey to Liberty Island. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes each way.
Climbing to the Crown
Visitors can climb the 354 steps to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, where they can enjoy views of the harbor and the New York City skyline.
What to Bring
When visiting the Statue of Liberty, visitors should bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- A jacket or sweater
- Water
- Sunscreen
Conclusion
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. Standing 305 feet (93 meters) tall, it is the tallest structure in New York City and can be seen from miles away. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island to visit the statue and climb to the crown for stunning views of the harbor and the New York City skyline.
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