The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy in the United States. It stands on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor, and is visited by millions of people each year. But what do we really know about the inside of the Statue of Liberty? Let’s explore the history and secrets of this magnificent monument.
History of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel. It was originally intended to celebrate the friendship between the two countries, but it has since come to represent freedom and democracy. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886 and is a designated National Monument.
Inside the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a hollow structure, with an interior of steel and stone. The statue stands 305 feet (93 meters) tall, and is divided into three main sections: the pedestal, the interior, and the crown. Inside the statue, there are several levels, each with its own purpose.
Pedestal
The pedestal of the Statue of Liberty is made of brick and stone, and is around 25 feet (7.6 meters) high. It houses an elevator and a staircase, which lead up to the interior of the statue. There is also a small museum located in the pedestal, which contains exhibits on the history of the Statue of Liberty.
Interior
The interior of the Statue of Liberty is divided into two levels. The lower level is a circular space, known as the “base”, which contains the elevator and the staircase. The upper level is an octagonal space, known as the “lantern”, which houses the crown and the torch. The walls of the lantern are made of copper, and the floor is made of wood.
Crown
The crown of the Statue of Liberty is made of copper and is topped with seven spikes, which represent the seven continents. Inside the crown are 25 windows, which allow visitors to look out onto the New York Harbor. There is also a small balcony, where visitors can stand and get a better view of the harbor.
Secrets of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty holds many secrets, some of which have been kept hidden for centuries. One of the most interesting secrets is the fact that the statue’s head was originally intended to be a different shape. It was designed to be more pointed, but was later changed to a rounder shape to make it look more majestic.
Another secret of the Statue of Liberty is the fact that it is not made entirely of copper. The exterior is made of copper, but the interior is made of steel and stone. This was done to make the statue more durable and to ensure that it would stand up to the elements.
Finally, the Statue of Liberty is also home to a hidden time capsule. It was placed in the statue in 1885 and contains various items, including a copy of the Declaration of Independence, a copy of the US Constitution, and a copy of the French Constitution. It is set to be opened in 2085.
Conclusion
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy in the United States. It is a magnificent monument that holds many secrets and stories. Its interior is made of steel and stone, and its crown holds 25 windows, which allow visitors to look out onto the New York Harbor. It is a National Monument that continues to be a source of inspiration for people around the world.