The original statue of liberty is one of the most iconic monuments in the United States, and is a symbol of freedom and democracy around the world. The original statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and was a gift from the people of France to the United States. It was completed in 1886 and stands 151 feet tall. It is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
History of the Statue of Liberty
The idea for the statue of liberty was first proposed by French historian Édouard René de Laboulaye in 1865. He suggested the idea of a monument to commemorate the alliance between France and the United States during the American Revolution. Bartholdi was chosen to design the statue and he created a design of a female figure, dressed in ancient Greek robes, carrying a torch in her right hand and a tablet in her left. The design was approved by both countries and construction began in 1875.
Construction of the Statue of Liberty
Bartholdi enlisted the help of French engineer Gustave Eiffel to construct the statue. Eiffel created the iron skeleton for the statue, which allowed the statue to be taller and more structurally sound. The copper skin was hammered into shape by craftsmen in France and shipped to the United States in crates. The statue was then assembled on the island in New York Harbor and dedicated on October 28, 1886.
Symbolism of the Statue of Liberty
The statue of liberty has come to symbolize many things, including freedom, democracy, and the American dream. The torch in her right hand symbolizes enlightenment, while the tablet in her left hand is inscribed with the date of the United States Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. The broken shackles at her feet symbolize freedom from oppression. The seven points on the crown of the statue represent the seven seas and seven continents of the world.
Restoration of the Statue of Liberty
Over the years, the statue has undergone several restorations. In 1984, the statue was closed for a major restoration project that lasted two years. The project included replacing the torch, which had been replaced several times over the years, and repainting the entire statue. In 2011, the statue was closed for another major restoration project that lasted two years. The project included replacing the rusted metal framework and replacing the torch with a new flame made of 24-karat gold.
Visiting the Statue of Liberty
The statue of liberty is open to visitors daily from 9am to 5pm. Visitors can take the ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or from Liberty State Park in New Jersey to reach the statue. Tickets for the ferry can be purchased online or at the ferry terminals. Once on the island, visitors can take a guided tour of the statue or explore the island on their own. There is also a museum on the island that tells the story of the statue and its history.
Conclusion
The original statue of liberty is one of the most iconic monuments in the United States and a symbol of freedom and democracy around the world. It was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and was a gift from the people of France to the United States. The statue has undergone several restorations over the years and is open to visitors daily. Visitors can take a guided tour of the statue or explore the island on their own.
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