The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic symbols of the United States of America. The copper-clad sculpture was a gift from the people of France, given to the United States in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The Statue of Liberty stands tall in New York Harbor, a beacon of freedom and opportunity to all who come to its shores.
History of the Statue of Liberty
The idea for the Statue of Liberty was conceived in 1865 by French historian and political thinker Édouard René de Laboulaye. Laboulaye wanted to honor the United States’ commitment to democracy and freedom, as well as to celebrate the friendship between the two nations. French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to create the statue, and he began working on the project in 1875. After much planning and preparation, the statue was completed in 1884. The statue was then disassembled and shipped to the United States in crates.
Construction of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was assembled on Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island) in New York Harbor in 1886. The copper-clad statue was mounted on a steel framework designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower. The statue stands 151 feet tall, from the ground to the tip of the torch, and weighs 450,000 pounds.
The Torch
The Statue of Liberty’s most iconic feature is the raised torch it holds in its right hand. The torch is a symbol of freedom and enlightenment, and is a reminder of the statue’s purpose: to welcome those seeking freedom and opportunity to the United States. The torch is made of copper and gold, and is covered with thin sheets of 24-karat gold. The flame of the torch is made of copper, and is lit by 32 floodlights.
The Tablet
The Statue of Liberty also holds a tablet in her left hand. The tablet is inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence: July 4, 1776. The tablet is seven feet high and weighs 100 pounds. It is made of bronze and is covered with an inscription in Roman numerals: “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI”.
Symbolism of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a powerful symbol of freedom and opportunity. The statue is a reminder of the shared history between the United States and France, and it serves as a beacon of hope for all who seek a better life. The Statue of Liberty is an enduring symbol of freedom, and her image is an iconic part of the American landscape.
Famous Photos of the Statue of Liberty
- The first photograph of the Statue of Liberty was taken in 1886 by Edward Muybridge.
- In 1902, the first color photograph of the Statue of Liberty was taken by Alfred Stieglitz.
- The first aerial photograph of the Statue of Liberty was taken in 1909 by William Welles Bosworth.
- In 1945, V-J Day was celebrated with a photograph of the Statue of Liberty taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt.
- In 1984, the Statue of Liberty was featured on a U.S. postage stamp.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. Its image has been captured in photographs and videos, on stamps and coins, and in countless other forms. The Statue of Liberty stands as a reminder of the United States’ commitment to freedom and democracy, and it serves as a beacon of hope for all who seek a better life.
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