The Statue of Liberty is a famous symbol of freedom and democracy. She stands tall in New York Harbor, greeting millions of visitors every year. Let’s explore the interesting history and meaning behind Lady Liberty, including where she came from, how she was designed, and what she represents.
Did you know that the Statue of Liberty wasn’t made in the United States? She was a gift from France to show the friendship between the two countries and their shared love for freedom and democracy. The idea for the statue came in 1865 from a French thinker named Édouard de Laboulaye. He wanted to celebrate America’s 100th birthday and its dedication to freedom.
A French artist named Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was chosen to create the statue. He was inspired by his travels and had once planned a statue for Egypt that was never built. Bartholdi based the Statue of Liberty on the Roman goddess of liberty, called Libertas. He used his mother’s face as a model for the statue and often used his wife as a model too.
Building the statue was a team effort. France built the statue, and the United States built the pedestal it stands on. The statue was finished in France in 1884, taken apart, packed into 214 boxes, and shipped to New York City.
The statue was put together in April 1886 on what we now call Liberty Island. The inside structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer who created the Eiffel Tower. Eiffel’s design used copper sheets hammered over a steel frame, which helps the statue stand strong against the weather.
When the statue was first unveiled, it was 305 feet tall and weighed 450,000 pounds. It was a shiny brown color, like a new penny. Over time, the statue turned green because of a natural process called oxidation. This green color actually protects the copper underneath.
The Statue of Liberty is full of symbols. Her crown has seven spikes, which can represent the seven continents and seas. The tablet she holds shows the date of the American Declaration of Independence: July 4, 1776. The broken chains at her feet stand for freedom from oppression and the end of slavery.
One of the most famous parts of the statue is the poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, written on its pedestal. It begins with “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This message has given hope to many immigrants coming to America, making the statue a symbol of hope and opportunity.
The Statue of Liberty is a powerful symbol of freedom, democracy, and the lasting friendship between France and the United States. Her story is about working together, being creative, and having hope. She reminds us of the values that bring us together as a nation. As we celebrate her legacy, we remember the importance of welcoming those who seek freedom and opportunity in America.
Create Your Own Symbol: Think about what freedom means to you. Using paper, crayons, or markers, design your own symbol of freedom. It could be an animal, a shape, or something from nature. Share your symbol with your family or friends and explain why you chose it and what it represents to you.
Observation Walk: Take a walk around your neighborhood or a local park with an adult. Look for statues, monuments, or symbols. Discuss with your adult companion what each symbol might represent. How do these symbols make you feel? Are there any that remind you of the Statue of Liberty?
Color Experiment: The Statue of Liberty changed color over time due to oxidation. Try a simple experiment at home to see how oxidation works. Take a shiny penny and place it in a small bowl with a little vinegar and salt. Leave it for a few hours and observe any changes. Discuss with an adult why you think the penny changed color and how this relates to the Statue of Liberty.
