The Statue of Liberty has been a cultural icon of the United States for generations. It was often the first sight of the US that immigrants from Europe saw as they came to start a new life. What isn’t always realized is that the statue was not actually created by the United States, though part of the $102,000 needed to create it was raised in America. It was a gift to the US from France in 1886. The head of the statue was actually on display at the World’s Fair in 1878. Here are some additional interesting facts about this landmark.
1. There’s a Full Name
The Statue of Liberty actually has a full name. The statue is officially called “Liberty Enlightening the World.” She is wearing robes because she is a representation of the Roman goddess of freedom named Libertas. On her tablet is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence and there are 25 windows that are installed in the crown of the statue. In total, there are 345 steps required to reach the crown.
2. There Was a Deeper Purpose
The idea of the statue came from a man named Edouard de Laboulaye. He wanted to provide the US a great monument that would be a celebration of the American Revolution and the abolition of slavery. What he secretly hoped would happen, however, was that his own people would work to fight for democracy instead of the repressive monarchy that they had in power at the time. Whether it had the intended effect, however, is still up for debate.
3. It’s Part Eiffel
Gustave Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower in France, also helped to design the framework of the statue. There are four iron columns that are used to support a metal framework. Around that framework then sits the skin of the statue, which is a layer of copper that is just 3/32 inches thick. To create the realistic look, there were 300 different types of hammers used. The face is modeled after the mother of the sculptor.
4. Other Cities Wanted It
The cities of Boston and Philadelphia both wanted to have the Statue of Liberty come to their cities. They wanted the statue so badly, in fact, that both cities offered to fully fund the creation of the statue if it would be relocated to their city. According to a New York newspaper, however, much of the funding came from private donations and 80% of those donations were less than $1 in total.
5. It Wasn’t a First UNESCO World Heritage Site
Although it became a World Heritage Site in 1984, it didn’t make the initial list of 12 sites that was released in 1978. What beat it out from an American standpoint? Yellowstone National Park. If Lady Liberty was going to be defeated by something in the US, that was one of the best options that was available. Mesa Verde National Park also made the initial list of 12.
