The Statue of Liberty, a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy. [3, 8] A gift to the United States from the people of France in 1886, this iconic landmark has welcomed millions of immigrants and visitors for over a century. [3, 8]
The idea for the statue was first proposed in 1865 by Édouard de Laboulaye, a French historian, to commemorate the alliance between France and the United States during the American Revolution and to celebrate the end of slavery in the U.S. [2, 3, 5] The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, while its internal iron framework was engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the man who would later design the famed Eiffel Tower. [3, 4]
Every aspect of the Statue of Liberty is rich with symbolism. Her crown’s seven spikes represent the seven continents and seven seas, and the 25 windows in the crown are thought to symbolize the natural minerals of the earth. [7] The tablet she holds in her left hand is inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals. [2] At her feet lie broken chains, representing the abolition of slavery and the end of oppression. [2, 7]
The statue is made of a copper exterior, which was originally a dull brown color. [5] Over time, the copper has oxidized, creating the distinct green patina we see today. [5] The statue stands over 305 feet tall from the ground to the tip of her torch and weighs 225 tons. [4] It was shipped to the United States in 350 individual pieces and assembled on its pedestal on what was then known as Bedloe's Island. [2]
Dedicated on October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. [6, 8] It continues to be a powerful symbol of hope and liberty for people worldwide. [8]