Statue of Liberty secrets

Summary

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of friendship between France and the United States, welcomed many immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. Originally named 'Liberty Enlightening the World,' her copper surface, once shiny, turned green by 1936 due to oxidation. Designed with resilience, she can sway during hurricane-force winds, demonstrating her strength, notably during Superstorm Sandy. Her right foot, built in Paris and assembled in 1886, symbolizes the crushing of slavery and oppression, while her torch represents the light of liberty and freedom.

Takeaways

• 🗽 The Statue of Liberty symbolizes the friendship and alliance between France and the United States.
• 🌍 Many immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island saw the statue and likely passed down stories about it to their families.
• 👑 The statue's design was inspired by the Roman goddess Libertas, and its original name was 'Liberty Enlightening the World.'
• 🏛️ The Statue of Liberty became a national monument in 1924 and is now famously known by that name.
• ⚒️ The statue's copper shell is 2.5 mm thick and was originally a copper color before turning green due to oxidation.
• 🟢 By 1936, on the statue's 50th anniversary, it had mostly turned green through natural weathering processes.
• 💨 The statue is designed to sway during high winds; it can move 3 inches side to side, and the right arm and torch can move up to 5 inches.
• 🌪️ The Statue of Liberty remained standing strong during Superstorm Sandy, symbolizing resilience.
• 👣 The statue's right foot, which was one of the last parts to be closed during its assembly, is said to represent an American woman with shoe size 879.
• 🔗 The chains and shackles under the left foot symbolize the end of slavery and oppression, with the torch leading people into freedom and liberty.

Q & A

What does the Statue of Liberty symbolize?

The Statue of Liberty symbolizes the friendship and alliance between France and the United States, as well as freedom and democracy.

Why is Ellis Island significant in relation to the Statue of Liberty?

Ellis Island was the first point of entry for many immigrants, and they passed by the Statue of Liberty, which became a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Many shared stories about it with their families, and those stories were passed down through generations.

What was the original name of the Statue of Liberty?

The original name of the Statue of Liberty was 'Liberty Enlightening the World,' inspired by the Roman goddess Libertas.

When did the Statue of Liberty become a national monument?

The Statue of Liberty became a national monument in 1924.

What is the thickness of the copper used in the Statue of Liberty?

The copper used in the Statue of Liberty is 2.5 mm thick.

What was the original color of the Statue of Liberty, and how did it change over time?

The original color of the Statue of Liberty was copper. Over time, due to oxidation, it started turning green around 1900 and was mostly green by its 50th anniversary in 1936.

How does the Statue of Liberty handle strong winds, such as during hurricanes?

The Statue of Liberty is designed to move slightly to withstand strong winds. The statue can move 3 inches side to side during hurricane-force winds, and the right arm and torch can move up to 5 inches.

What is significant about the right foot of the Statue of Liberty?

The right foot of the Statue of Liberty is significant because workers passed through the sole when assembling her in 1886. Her shoe size is equivalent to a U.S. women's size 879.

What do the shackles and chains beneath the Statue of Liberty symbolize?

The shackles and chains beneath the Statue of Liberty symbolize the abolition of slavery and oppression. They represent her role in leading people out of darkness and into the light of liberty and freedom.

What is the symbolism behind the Statue of Liberty’s torch?

The torch held high by the Statue of Liberty symbolizes leading people out of darkness and into the light of liberty and freedom.