As one of the most iconic symbols of America, the Statue of Liberty has fascinated people from all over the world for over a century. While most of us are familiar with the basics of this famous statue, such as its size, location, and significance, there are several surprising facts about it that you probably didn’t know.
Here are ten little-known facts about the Statue of Liberty that you’ll be amazed to find out.
1. The Statue Was a Gift from France
Contrary to popular belief, the United States did not commission the Statue of Liberty. In fact, it was a gift from France that was presented to the United States on October 28, 1886, as a symbol of their friendship and shared values.
2. It Was Originally Designed to Be a Lighthouse
The original plan for the Statue of Liberty was to make it a lighthouse, with a giant torch serving as a beacon for passing ships. However, the statue’s torch proved to be too weak to serve as a lighthouse, so it was replaced by an electric light in 1916.
3. The Statue Was Constructed in France
While the design of the statue was the work of French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel and sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the statue itself was built entirely in France using copper sheets and iron framework. It was then disassembled and shipped to America in 214 crates.
4. The Statue Was Modeled After a Real Woman
The face of the Statue of Liberty is not just the work of an artist’s imagination. It was modeled after Bartholdi’s mother, Charlotte, who had long been an inspiration to the sculptor.
5. The Statue Has Survived Several Natural Disasters
Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has had to weather several natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and lightning strikes. Despite the damage caused by these disasters, the statue has always been restored to its original condition.
6. There is a Replica of the Statue in Paris
Did you know that there is a replica of the Statue of Liberty in Paris? Located on the Île aux Cygnes, it stands at one-fourth of the size of the original statue and was gifted to the city of Paris by the Americans living there.
7. Visitors Can Climb to the Top
If you have the energy and the patience, you can climb 354 stairs to reach the top of the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. However, due to safety concerns, the torch has been closed to visitors since 1916.
8. The Statue Has Been Used as a Movie Set
Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has been featured in several movies and television shows, including Superman IV, Planet of the Apes, and Ghostbusters II.
9. It Was Almost Copper-Colored
The Statue of Liberty wasn’t always the green hue that we see today. Initially, it was copper-colored, but over time, the metal oxidized and turned into the green patina that we see today.
10. It Has a Dark Past
Though it might be hard to believe today, the Statue of Liberty was not always a symbol of freedom and hope. During the early 20th century, it was used as a propaganda tool to encourage American citizens to buy war bonds during both World War I and II.
Conclusion
The Statue of Liberty remains a powerful symbol of hope and freedom to millions of people around the world. Hopefully, after learning these ten surprising facts about the statue, you have a newfound appreciation for its place in American history and culture.
