The Statue of Liberty is an iconic landmark of the United States and a symbol of freedom. It was given to the United States by France in 1886 and stands on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor. But what is the Statue of Liberty made of?
The Copper Skin
The most obvious material used to create the Statue of Liberty is copper. The copper skin of the statue was designed by the French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and constructed by the Gaget, Gauthier et Cie engineering company. The copper skin was hammered into thin sheets and then applied over a metal framework. The copper skin is 3/32 of an inch thick and is made up of more than 300 separate copper plates.
The Inner Structure
The inner structure of the Statue of Liberty is made of steel. The framework was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower. The framework is made up of four main parts: the main support, the armature, the skeletal framework and the pedestal.
Main Support
The main support is a cylinder that runs from the ground to the top of the statue. It is made of steel beams and girders that are held together by rivets. This cylinder provides the structural support for the statue.
Armature
The armature is a metal frame that runs from the top of the statue to the base. It is made up of steel bars and is used to hold the copper skin in place.
Skeletal Framework
The skeletal framework is a series of steel beams that run from the base of the statue to the top. These beams provide additional support to the armature and help to spread the weight of the statue evenly.
Pedestal
The pedestal is a steel frame that supports the statue. It is made up of four steel columns that are held together by steel beams and girders.
Other Materials
In addition to steel and copper, the Statue of Liberty is made of other materials. The torch is made of copper and gold-plated copper, and the flame is made of gold-plated copper. The tablet that the statue holds is made of bronze, and the seven spikes on the crown are made of copper.
Conclusion
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and a symbol of friendship between the United States and France. It is made of copper, steel, bronze, and gold-plated copper, and is held together by a metal framework. The Statue of Liberty is an amazing feat of engineering and a reminder of the importance of freedom.