Recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom and friendship between nations, few people wouldn’t recognize the famous Statue of Liberty in New York City. Here are five things about Lady Liberty that may surprise you!
1. Lady of color
The skin of the statue is made of copper, and she originally sported some serious shine. But after several years, the copper oxidized and took on its bluish-green hue that it is known for today.
It’s probably a good thing, because knowing New Yorkers the way we do, they would have found a way long ago to relieve Lady Liberty of all that bling!
2. Mini Lady
Did you know that there was a second Statue of Liberty? Yep that’s right! On an island in Paris there stands a second statue, but only at one quarter scale. You see, the French only like a “little” Freedom… get it?
Okay, moving on. It was donated in 1889 by the Parisian Expatriate Community. It faces West, looking out towards New York some 3200 miles away.
3. FOOTLOOSE
The feet of the Statue of Liberty depict freedom in motion, but many don’t notice the broken shackles at her feet. This represents the abolition of slavery and oppression, as well as the idea of breaking free from tyranny (That’s You, King George).
The designer of the statue, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, originally wanted the lady to hold broken chains in her hands, but felt that it was a bit too soon after the Civil War for that… hence the more subtle broken chains at her feet thing. Pretty neat, eh?
4. She be swaying!
No, actually, as in literally swaying. The copper skin of the Statue of Liberty is just 3/32 seconds of an inch thick. This allows for some serious flexibility in the strong winds that the statue sometimes encounters. In a 50 mph wind, the statue itself can sway up to 3 inches side to side and the torch can move up to 6 inches. She may bend but she won’t break!
5. Not your momma’s torch!
In 1986, the original torch was replaced. The old torch had experienced water leakage throughout its life and was badly corroded. It’s currently on display at the Inspiration Gallery of the Statue of Liberty Museum
Originally lit through Amber Windows, now the torch is covered with 24 karat gold leafing and shines in the Sun by day and with flood lights by Night.
Standing 305 ft above Liberty Island, Lady Liberty remains the tallest statue in the United States… and a symbol to the world of freedom, hope and inspiration.
