The Statue of Liberty is an icon, a national treasure, and one of the most recognizable figures in the world. Its name was inspired by the Roman goddess, Libertas. Its global status makes many people visit this beautiful structure which is also considered a universal symbol of freedom. Standing at the heart of New York for over 130 years, this behemoth was originally gifted to America by France. There was a revealing ceremony for the Statue of Liberty in France in 1884 and later it was shipped to America in the middle of 1885. Since then, it has been a mark of an international alliance and national beauty.
Tourist Attraction
The Statue of Liberty is visited by almost 4 million people yearly. This tall structure stands at 305 feet with the torch. It is banned for tourists to go to the top as the statue suffered minor damages from the “Black Tom” explosion, detonated by German agents in 1916. However, the tourists can go all the way to the crown, at 265 feet, with a crown ticket. The only way to access the statue is to take a ferry to an island called Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
Construction
The Statue was brought to America cut into pieces from France in 1885. It was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and the metal framework was done by Gustave Eiffel who was surprisingly also the engineer of the Eiffel tower in France. At that time the Statue of Liberty was made using advanced techniques. The outer layer was made with copper and it was shaped with a method called the repoussé. The copper was attached to some metal and iron framework so that it could stand. At the end it weighed 225 tons and it was later shipped to America. In America they made a pedestal of granite and concrete where this masterpiece of French engineers was placed.
Colour Of The Statue
When the Statue of Liberty was first put together in America, it wasn’t green, in fact it was a shiny reddish-brown colour because it was made with copper. Over time natural elements like rain, saltwater and air slowly turned the colour of the statue to green. This chemical reaction is called oxidation. In 1900 it had fully changed into the colour green patina. Many people petitioned saying they wanted the statue cleaned but scientists discovered the green coating actually helps the copper from further damage, hence the petition was cancelled. Today, green is the official colour of the Statue of Liberty, rather it has become one of the most famous features of the statue.
The Statue of Liberty is not just a tourist attraction but a mark of promising friendship between France and America. From its construction in France to its installation in New York to the colour change over time, it tells a unique story. The statue still inspires many people and continues to be a symbol of hope and belonging.
Writer: Hari Govind
Grade : 7 (Year 2025)
Place : Sydney, Australia
