Fascinating Facts About The Statue Of Liberty You Probably Didn’t Know
The Statue of Liberty , a symbol of freedom and hope, has stood as a welcoming figure to millions of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island . It’s also one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S. with a rich history and several hidden meanings.
Here are 20 interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty that you may not have known:
1. Weight of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty weighs a massive 225 tons, which equals 450,000 pounds.
2. Giant Footwear
If Lady Liberty wore shoes, they would be an incredible size 879!
3. Lighthouse Years
For 16 years, the statue served as a lighthouse, with its light visible from up to 24 miles away.
4. Height of the Statue
Standing at 305 feet and 1 inch, the Statue of Liberty is the tallest statue in North America.
5. Swaying in the Wind
In strong winds, the statue can sway about 3 inches, while the torch can move up to 6 inches.
6. Roman Inspiration
The statue’s design draws inspiration from ancient Roman civilization.
7. Feathered Visitors
Peregrine falcons have occasionally been spotted resting on the statue’s crown.
8. Official Name
Lady Liberty’s full name is “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
9. Climbing to the Crown
To reach the crown, visitors must ascend 354 steps. Once at the top, there are 25 windows offering panoramic views.
10. Modeled After Family
The statue’s face was modeled after the sculptor’s mother, Charlotte.
11. Support System
The statue has 16 tension bars, each about 60 feet long, connecting it to the pedestal for support.
12. Tightening Bolts
When first constructed, workers used giant wrenches to tighten the bolts that hold the statue together.
13. A Gift from France
In 1886, France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the U.S. as a symbol of friendship and a celebration of the end of slavery.
14. Inspiring Democracy
Edouard Laboulaye, who proposed the gift, hoped it would inspire his fellow French citizens to pursue democracy against Napoleon III.
15. Struck by Lightning
The statue is hit by lightning about 600 times a year. The first lightning strike was captured on camera in 2010.
16. Tragic Suicides
Two people have tragically ended their lives by jumping from the statue, while a few others survived their attempts.
17. Green Color Explained
The statue’s green hue is a result of the natural weathering of its copper surface.
18. Tallest Structure in 1886
When it was built, the Statue of Liberty was the tallest structure in New York, standing 22 stories high.
19. Torch Replacement
In 1984, the original torch was replaced with a new one made of copper and coated in 24-carat gold leaf.
20. Symbolism of the Shackles
The broken chains at the statue’s feet symbolize freedom from oppression and tyranny.
The Statue of Liberty continues to stand as an enduring symbol of freedom, resilience, and hope, reminding us of its remarkable history and the values it represents.