9 Secrets of the Statue of Liberty Most People Don't Know

Summary

Discover the intriguing secrets of the Statue of Liberty, from its initial disassembly and reassembly in New York to its unique crowdfunding history and the debate over its true inspiration. Learn about the statue's transformation from copper to its iconic green patina, its original purpose as a lighthouse, and the mysterious number seven symbolism. Unveil the potential Masonic ties and the theories surrounding the face's model. Plus, explore the lesser-known replicas and the statue's enduring impact on art and culture.

Takeaways

• 🗽 The Statue of Liberty is a globally recognized monument with intriguing secrets.
• 🧩 The statue arrived in New York in pieces and was assembled on site.
• 🤝 It was a gift from France to the US with a condition to build a pedestal.
• 💰 One of history's first crowd-funding campaigns helped raise funds for the pedestal.
• 📅 The statue's official dedication was on October 28, 1886, presided by President Grover Cleveland.
• 🎨 The statue's green color is due to oxidation of its copper material.
• 🔦 It once functioned as a lighthouse, but was later deemed insufficiently bright.
• 👑 The statue's crown has seven spikes, symbolizing liberty across the world.
• 🏗 The internal framework was designed by Gustave Eiffel, known for the Eiffel Tower.
• 🤔 There are theories suggesting masonic ties and the statue's face might be modeled after a man.
• 🌍 Multiple versions of the Statue of Liberty exist, including a smaller original model in Paris.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Statue of Liberty in the world?

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous monuments globally, symbolizing freedom and democracy, and is a popular attraction for visitors to New York City.

In what condition did the Statue of Liberty arrive from France?

The Statue of Liberty arrived in pieces on June 17, 1885, in over 300 copper pieces packed in 214 crates on the French ship Isère.

Why was the Statue of Liberty's arm holding the torch not included in the original shipment?

The arm with the torch was not part of the original shipment because it was standing in Madison Square Park for six years to help raise money for the statue's pedestal.

How many people welcomed the Statue of Liberty upon its arrival in the US?

When the ship carrying the statue arrived, 200,000 people came to welcome it to the United States.

When was the official dedication ceremony of the Statue of Liberty held, and who presided over it?

The official dedication ceremony took place on October 28, 1886, with President Grover Cleveland presiding over it.

What was unique about the fundraising campaign for the Statue of Liberty's pedestal?

The fundraising campaign was one of history's first crowd-funding campaigns, initiated by Joseph Pulitzer, who promised every contributor an honorary mention in his newspapers.

Why did the Statue of Liberty change color to green?

The Statue of Liberty turned green due to oxidation, a process that was complete by 1920, according to the New York Historical Society.

Did the Statue of Liberty originally serve a functional purpose?

Yes, the Statue of Liberty was originally intended to serve as a lighthouse for ships entering New York Harbor and functioned as one for 16 years.

Who designed the internal framework that supports the Statue of Liberty?

The internal framework of the Statue of Liberty was designed by the famous engineer Alexander Gustave Eiffel, known for his work on the Eiffel Tower.

What is the significance of the number seven in the design of the Statue of Liberty?

The number seven is significant in the design of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing universal liberty across the seven oceans and continents, and is referenced in various elements such as the seven spikes on the crown and the number of windows in the statue's head.

What theory suggests a possible masonic connection to the Statue of Liberty?

A popular theory posits that the Statue of Liberty might have masonic ties, as its creator, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was a freemason, and the statue's torch is a symbol in Masonic culture representing 'the Torch of Enlightenment'.

What are the different theories about the face of the Statue of Liberty?

There are different theories about the face of the Statue of Liberty, with some suggesting it was modeled after Bartholdi's mother, while others claim it resembles his brother or even a woman named Sarah Salmon.

Are there any replicas or versions of the Statue of Liberty outside of the United States?

Yes, there are several versions of the Statue of Liberty, including a smaller original model in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, a version on an island in the Seine River, and a life-size copy of the torch on the Pont de l’Alma in Paris.