How long is the hand of the Statue of Liberty?

Tourist Attractions

By Kristy Tolley

The Symbol of Freedom

The Statue of Liberty is an icon of American freedom and a symbol of hope and opportunity for immigrants. Towering over New York Harbor, she welcomes visitors from all over the world with her torch held high. The statue was a gift from France to the United States in 1886, and since then, it has become a global symbol of democracy and human rights.

The Anatomy of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture that stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, and the metal framework was constructed by Gustave Eiffel, who later built the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The statue is made of copper sheets that are just over 2.4 millimeters thick, and it is covered with a layer of green patina that has developed over time. The statue stands 151 feet tall, including the pedestal, and it weighs approximately 450,000 pounds.

The Hands of the Statue: Right and Left

The statue has two hands, the right hand holding a torch and the left hand holding a tablet. Each hand has its own symbolic meaning, representing different aspects of American values.

The Right Hand: A Symbol of Liberty

The right hand of the statue holds a torch, which symbolizes enlightenment and freedom. The torch is made of gold-leafed copper and weighs about 3,600 pounds. The flame of the torch is covered in 24-karat gold leaf and is illuminated by electric light bulbs. At night, the torch is visible from miles away, and it serves as a beacon of hope and freedom to all who see it.

The Torch of Enlightenment

The torch of the statue was originally designed to be a functioning lighthouse, but this idea was abandoned due to concerns about the stability of the statue. Instead, the torch serves as a symbol of the enlightenment that comes with freedom and democracy.

The Left Hand: A Symbol of Justice

The left hand of the statue holds a tablet, which symbolizes the rule of law and the importance of justice. The tablet is engraved with the date of the Declaration of Independence and is inscribed with the words "July IV MDCCLXXVI" (July 4, 1776). The tablet is made of pure copper and weighs about 2,000 pounds.

The Book of Law and Order

The tablet is a reminder of the importance of the rule of law and the principles of justice that are at the heart of American democracy. The book is often associated with the Ten Commandments of the Bible, which represent the moral foundation of many legal systems.

The Length of the Hand: A Matter of Proportion

The length of the hand of the statue is an important aspect of its design. The right hand holding the torch is 42 feet long, and the left hand holding the tablet is 35 feet long. The hands are proportional to the rest of the statue, which is 151 feet tall including the pedestal. The hands were designed to be large enough to be seen clearly from a distance but not so large that they would overwhelm the rest of the statue.

The Measurements of the Statue of Liberty

The statue is made up of several different parts, each with its own measurements. The body of the statue is 111 feet and 6 inches tall, and the head of the statue is 17 feet and 3 inches tall. The pedestal of the statue is 89 feet tall, and the entire statue, including the pedestal, is 305 feet and 1 inch tall.

The Height of the Statue’s Pedestal

The pedestal of the statue was designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt, and it was built by the United States government. The pedestal is made of granite and is 89 feet tall, with a base that is 65 feet wide and 114 feet long. The pedestal was designed to support the weight of the statue and to provide a solid foundation for it.

Conclusion: A Global Icon

The Statue of Liberty is not just a symbol of American freedom; it is a global icon that represents the ideals of democracy, human rights, and the pursuit of happiness. The statue stands as a reminder of the importance of freedom and the need to fight for justice and equality. The statue has become a beacon of hope and a symbol of the American dream, inspiring millions of people around the world to strive for a better future.

References and Further Reading

  • "Statue of Liberty." National Park Service. Accessed October 7, 2021. https://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm.
  • "Statue of Liberty." History.com. Accessed October 7, 2021. https://www.history.com/topics/landmarks/statue-of-liberty.
  • "Statue of Liberty Facts." Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. Accessed October 7, 2021. https://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/statue-facts.
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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