Liberty Enlightening the World. That’s her real name. Not just Statue of Liberty. A nickname. But everyone calls her Lady Liberty. This magnificent copper colossus greets millions annually. She stands tall a testament to freedom and democracy.
From afar she appears a shimmering green. This wasn’t always the case. Originally a reddish-brown like a penny. Over two decades the copper oxidized. Turning into the iconic green-blue patina we know today. A surprise to many. They should have known better.
Lady Liberty’s dimensions are staggering. Ninety-three meters high. Weighing 225 tons. Imagine the engineering feat. When erected in 1886 she was the tallest iron structure in the world. She’s also known for her impressive footwear. Size 879 sandals. And a 11 meter waistline. Quite the figure.
A gift from France to America. A symbol of friendship. A celebration of the American Revolution. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a journey to get here. Disassembled into 300 pieces. Packed into 214 crates. Shipped across the Atlantic. A journey that almost ended in disaster. The vessel almost sank in a storm.
The Statue of Liberty wasn’t just a monument. For sixteen years it served as a lighthouse. Guiding ships into New York Harbor. The light wasn’t very strong though. It could not sufficiently guide ships after sunset. So the lighthouse closed.
Look closely at her left hand. She holds a tablet. Inscribed with JULY IV MDCCLXXVI. The date of the American Declaration of Independence. A powerful symbol of freedom.
The torch was once open to visitors. Until 1916. The Black Tom Explosion damaged the statue. The torch was replaced in 1986. The current flame is covered in 24-karat gold leaves. The original is in the statue’s lobby.
Lift her copper dress. You’d see broken shackles and chains. A symbol of freedom from oppression. A powerful reminder of the journey many have taken to reach this land.
Lady Liberty is struck by lightning up to 600 times a year. High winds can cause her to sway. The torch can move up to six inches. She is enduring. A symbol of resilience. A reminder of hope. A welcome to America.