The iconic symbol of America has many hidden secrets.
France gifted one of the most famous landmarks, the Statue of Liberty, to the United States in 1886. Tourists from all over the world flock to New York City to take in the sight of this magnificent lady. The statue symbolizes freedom. It is also a symbol of opportunity for immigrants arriving by sea to seek new life and American identity for those who call the country home.
While the grandeur of the statue is beyond impressive, the stories and facts made this lady much more interesting.
Here we give a list of 11 fascinating facts about the Lady in the Harbor that probably wasn’t mentioned in your school history books.
The seven spikes on the crown of the lady represent the seven continents and the seven oceans of the world to indicate the universal concept of liberty. Yes, it is not about fashion!
From the ground to the top of the torch, the Statue of Liberty weighs 204 metric tonnes and measures 93 metres. The lady wears an 879 shoe and has a waistline of 35 foot.
The face of the lady is said to be modelled after the sculptor’s mother, Charlotte.
It is believed that the lady has been struck 600 times by lightning.
In ancient times, the statue served as a lighthouse that guided ships and sailors home after spending long hours on the ocean.
The name of the statue is derived from a Roman deity of freedom called Libertas.
The original torch of the statue was replaced in 1984 with a new copper torch covered in 24k gold leaf.
The iron infrastructure and copper exterior of the statue have turned green due to oxidation. Even though it is a sign of damage, the green coating or patina acts as a protective cover against further deterioration.
The full name of the statue is “Liberty Enlightening the World”, and “Statue of Liberty” is in fact the nickname.
The Statue suffered minor damages from the Germans in 1916. After that, no one has been allowed to go into the torch.
The torch and tablet held by the statue have the date of the American Declaration of Independence, which is July 4, 1776 inscribed on it.
Next time you visit the statue, keep these facts in mind.
