New York’s most iconic symbol can’t be missed as you are welcomed by a “151-foot statue of a magnificent woman clasping a book and a torch,” the Statue of Liberty at the entrance of NY Harbor in Ellis Island. This landmark was dedicated to the immigrants on October 28, 1886, though it earned the title National Monument on last October 15, 1924. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as “a masterpiece of colossal statuary, which found renewed expression in the 19th century, after the tradition of those of antiquity, but with intimations of Art Nouveau.”
Interesting Facts About Lady Liberty
Some interesting facts to impress you are shared by CNN, in its post Statue of Liberty Fast Facts:
- The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from the people of France to commemorate 100 years of Franco-American friendship as well as the centennial of America’s independence.
- The statue is formally known as “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
- It was sculpted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. The framework was designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel.
- There are 354 steps to the crown.
- There are 25 windows in the crown.
- The seven rays of the Statue’s crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world.
- The tablet that the Statue holds in her left hand reads in Roman numerals “July 4th, 1776.” (JULY IV MDCCLXXVI)
- The total weight of copper in the Statue is 62,000 pounds (31 tons) and the total weight of steel in the Statue is 250,000 pounds (125 tons). The total weight of the Statue’s concrete foundation is 54 million pounds (27,000 tons).
- Height from ground to tip of torch – 305 ft 1in (92.99cm).
- Approximately 3.5 million people visit the Statue of Liberty every year.
The Making of the Icon
“Liberty Enlightening the World,” is a symbol of freedom and democracy, though it was originally intended to be an emblem of friendship between France and the United States of America that was established during the American Revolution. The Americans built the pedestal upon which the Lady Liberty would stand to cast light on everyone “seeking” freedom and democracy.
The statue was commissioned by the French government to Frederick Auguste Batholdi, a French architect and sculptor, though the engineering problems were addressed by the designer of another world-renowned landmark, Alexandre Gustave Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower.
Other “Lady Liberty”
A smaller Lady Liberty replica, standing 35 feet tall on her base, is found at a small island in the Seine near the Grenelle Bridge called Swan Ally in Paris. This one was an American token to the French to return the favors and in commemoration of the Centennial of the French Revolution. So as not to have its back to the Élysée Palace, it was made to face the Eiffel Tower. It was inaugurated on November 15, 1889.
A life-size replica of the Lady adorns the Paris Luxembourg Gardens. It is a magnificent embellishment that stands on watch of the gorgeous blooms and fountains in the Gardens. It is about 15 feet high including the pedestal. This replica was the designer’s (Batholdi) life-size mold for the towering American Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, NY.
See the Lady Up Close and Personal
There are several options as to how you would like to see this magnificent Lady. One of the best ways to see this Lady remains to be by taking a cruise. There are free cruises around the island, as well as cruises for a fee. Going on a cruise at night is a magnificent experience; one that’s simply hard to forget.
If you are coming here in the summer, it can mean long queues for you. For tips to better enjoy the Statue of Liberty and to save time, check out About Travel’s Top 10 Statue of Liberty Visitor Tips. Among the tips is how you can access the iconic destination using Monument Passes:
Monument Passes offer visitors access to the Statue of Liberty museum and a chance to see the Statue’s original torch. Tickets for these tours are limited and popular, so reserve in advance online or by calling 877-LADY-TIX.
An alternative is to buy the New York CityPass that can provide you up to 40% savings when you are eager to see more landmarks in New York such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Empire State Building and MoMa.
If you are visiting with kids, there are Junior Ranger Programs Keep Kids for children aged 7-12.
For more travel tips, visit National Park Service website. Welcome to New York!