Whether it’s during the day, at sunset, or late in the evening, looking at the iconic Statue of Liberty in NY Harbor is one of the most striking sights to behold in New York City. And that’s saying a lot. Her
full name is “Liberty Enlightening the World” but for many, she is affectionately called “Lady Liberty”. For centuries, millions have cruised before her on vessels, including the vast amount of immigrant ancestors of modern Americans. She has watched the skyline evolve and endured many storms; she is symbolic of the steadfast spirit of a nation that continues to value liberty and the pursuit of happiness amidst whatever struggles it must face. The Statue of Liberty continues to be one of the most recognized figures in the United States–she is a beacon of hope. Whether you live in and around New York City or visiting from out of town, viewing Lady Liberty up close is worth your trip.
Here are the most interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty:
Its Origin: The statue was given by France to the United States as a token of friendship and to commemorate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence and the common ideals both countries shared. The official dedication ceremonies for the Statue of Liberty were held on Thursday, October 28, 1886 and accepted by President Grover Cleveland on behalf of the United States, ten years after the centennial. Delays were due to financial and other logistics.
The Construction: No one had ever attempted to build a statue of that size before, making it an engineering marvel. Gustave Eiffel, who later built the Eiffel Tower, designed the sophisticated steel and iron pylon framed skeleton that had to support heavy copper sheets, allowing them to move independently even in strong winds. In high winds of 50mph, Lady Liberty can sway by up to 3 inches, while her torch can move 5 inches. The precision of its inner frame means the copper sheets are held in place instead of sagging and crumbling, making it a revolutionary structure.
The Design: The outer frame was designed by French sculptor, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi who molded the statue’s face after his own mother. The thickness of the copper cladding is incredibly thin (less than two U.S pennies), and the United States built the base. The statue’s 300 copper pieces were transported to the US in 214 crates on the French ship Isere, which almost sank in stormy seas and were then assembled in Upper New York Bay. Her total weight is 225 tons. With the pedestal and foundation, she stands 305 ft. tall. Even though she has been hit by around 600 bolts of lightning every year since she was built, she keeps on standing tall. Also, the statue is green because it’s made of copper. When copper oxidizes, it turns green. In 1906, Congress voted to appropriate $62,000 to paint her, but public outcry prevented this from happening.
Its Meaning: The seven spikes on her crown represent the seven oceans and the seven continents of the world. This is also said to represent the universal concept of liberty. The statue’s purpose is to connect the world to the United States’ ideal of liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Her right hand is held high holding a glowing torch which once served as a lighthouse from 1886-1902 (16 years) guiding ships into NY Harbor from the Ocean. The tablet she holds on her left hand evoke the law and has the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.
Visiting: The statue is one of the most visited tourist spots in New York City. Visitors climb 354 stairs from the main lobby to the crown platform, so it’s quite a workout. Visitors wanting to enter the crown must make a special appointment and children must be accompanied by an adult. The crown’s staircase is a double spiral, and another 146 steps. There are 25 windows in Lady Liberty’s crown and the view of the harbor and NYC skyline is worth the effort. Access to the torch has been closed since 1916.
Private Vessels can pass by in front of the Statue of Liberty but they cannot dock on the island. The only way to get onto Liberty Island is by using the Statue of Liberty ferry system, now operated by Statue Cruises. That’s one reason why so many people love hosting private events such as weddings, corporate events and birthday parties aboard Chartered Yachts, they provide an opportunity to view this magnificent, imposing and inspiring structure.