When people think of the Statue of Liberty, they often envision the iconic statue on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. However, many are unaware that there is actually another, lesser-known Statue of Liberty in New York City. This second statue, known as the “Little Sister,” can be found in the neighborhood of Birmingham, Staten Island.
While the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island is undoubtedly the more famous of the two, the Little Sister also holds historical significance. Erected in 2004, this smaller replica was designed to commemorate the role that Staten Island played as the “forgotten borough” during the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. The statue stands as a symbol of resilience and unity, just like its larger counterpart.
Both statues act as reminders of the values that the United States of America holds dear: freedom, liberty, and opportunity. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island or the charm of the Little Sister on Staten Island, these iconic statues continue to inspire visitors from around the world.
The Iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and a symbol of freedom. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue was a gift from France to the United States and was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the Statue of Liberty stands at an impressive height of 305 feet (93 meters) from the base to the tip of the torch. Made of copper sheets, the statue depicts a female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom.
The statue’s crown features seven rays, symbolizing the seven continents and seas of the world. The torch, originally lit by electric light, was replaced with a gold-leaf flame in 1986. The statue’s face is said to be modeled after Bartholdi’s mother, and her tablet bears the date of the Declaration of Independence – July 4, 1776.
Visitors to the Statue of Liberty can climb the 354 steps to the observation platform in the pedestal, offering panoramic views of New York City and the surrounding area. The statue itself can also be visited by taking a ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
The Statue of Liberty remains an enduring symbol of hope and democracy, welcoming immigrants and visitors from around the world to New York City. It is a must-see attraction and a testament to the values that the United States holds dear.
The Original Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island
The original Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from France to the United States and was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was built to celebrate the friendship between the two nations and to honor the ideals of liberty and freedom.
The statue is made of copper and stands at a height of 305 feet, including its pedestal. Lady Liberty holds a torch in her right hand, symbolizing enlightenment, and carries a tablet in her left hand, representing the law. Her crown is adorned with seven spikes, which represent the seven continents and seven seas of the world.
The journey to Liberty Island begins with a ferry ride from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Visitors are greeted by the majestic statue as they approach the island. The statue has become an iconic symbol of New York City and a popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Inside the pedestal of the statue, there is a museum that showcases the history and meaning behind the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can learn about the construction of the statue, its symbolism, and its significance as a beacon of hope for immigrants coming to America.
Climbing up to the crown of the statue is a unique experience for those who wish to see the breathtaking views of the New York City skyline and the surrounding waters. However, access to the crown is limited and requires a separate ticket.
Whether viewed from afar or up close, the original Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy, welcoming people from around the world to the United States of America.
The Reproduction of the Statue of Liberty in Paris
In addition to the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City, there is a reproduction of the statue located in Paris, France. This replica was gifted to France by the United States in 1889, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
The reproduction, officially known as the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World, stands on the Île aux Cygnes, a man-made island in the Seine River. It was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the same sculptor who created the original Statue of Liberty in New York.
The replica statue in Paris is smaller than the one in New York, measuring approximately 11.5 meters (37 feet) in height. It was constructed using the same techniques and materials as the original, including copper sheets that have oxidized over time to form its distinctive green color.
While the replica in Paris may not be as well-known as its counterpart in New York City, it still serves as a symbol of friendship between the United States and France. Visitors to Paris can view this smaller-scale version of the Statue of Liberty and appreciate its historical significance.
| Location | Height | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Paris, France | 11.5 meters (37 feet) | 1889 |
The Statue of Liberty Replica in New York Harbor
In addition to the iconic Statue of Liberty located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, there is also a smaller replica of the statue that can be found nearby.
This replica of the Statue of Liberty is located in the same harbor, but on the grounds of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in Manhattan. It was a gift from the Boy Scouts of America to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 1950.
While not as famous as the original Statue of Liberty, this replica is still a popular tourist attraction. Visitors to New York City can take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry and catch a glimpse of this smaller statue as they pass by.
Although it is not as large as the original, this replica still captures the spirit and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. It serves as a reminder of the importance of liberty and freedom in the United States.
The Statue of Liberty on the rooftop of the Brooklyn Museum
The Statue of Liberty on the rooftop of the Brooklyn Museum is a lesser-known symbol of freedom and liberty in New York City. Located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, this replica of the iconic Statue of Liberty stands proudly on top of the museum, overlooking the surrounding area.
The statue was installed on the rooftop of the Brooklyn Museum in 2011 and has since become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. It serves as a reminder of the values and principles that the Statue of Liberty represents.
While the statue on the rooftop of the Brooklyn Museum may not be as well-known as its counterpart on Liberty Island, it still holds significant meaning for many people. It is a symbol of hope, welcoming all who see it with open arms and reminding them of the ideals that the United States was founded upon.
Visitors to the museum can enjoy a close-up view of the statue, marveling at its detail and craftsmanship. The statue serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of freedom and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
In conclusion, the Statue of Liberty on the rooftop of the Brooklyn Museum is a hidden gem in New York City. It stands as a powerful symbol of freedom and the enduring values that the United States holds dear. Whether you are a local or a tourist, be sure to visit this unique and meaningful attraction.
The Statue of Liberty on the facade of the Bronx County Building
The Bronx County Building, located in the Bronx borough of New York City, is home to a lesser-known Statue of Liberty. While this statue is not as famous or widely recognized as the one found on Liberty Island, it is no less significant.
The statue, which stands proudly on the facade of the Bronx County Building, serves as a symbol of freedom and democracy. It is a smaller-scale replica of the original Statue of Liberty, standing at 12 feet tall.
This replica statue was erected in 1905 and was a gift from the New York World newspaper to the people of the Bronx. It was designed by American sculptor Frederick William Ruckstull, who aimed to capture the same spirit and meaning as the original Statue of Liberty.
Although this statue may not attract the same level of attention as its larger counterpart in the harbor, it is still an important landmark in the Bronx. It serves as a reminder of the values and ideals that the Statue of Liberty represents – freedom, liberty, and hope.
Visitors to the Bronx County Building can admire this impressive replica of the Statue of Liberty as they explore the architecture and history of the area. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lady Liberty and the influence she has had on the city and its residents.
The Statue of Liberty in the Staten Island Museum
While the iconic Statue of Liberty stands proudly on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, there is another Statue of Liberty located in the Staten Island Museum.
The Staten Island Museum is located in the St. George neighborhood of Staten Island, just a short distance from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The museum is home to a variety of exhibits that explore the history, culture, and natural environment of Staten Island.
One of the prominent exhibits in the museum is a replica of the Statue of Liberty. This replica stands at about 10 feet tall and is made of bronze. It was created by the French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who also designed the original Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.
The replica Statue of Liberty in the Staten Island Museum serves as a reminder of the significant role that Staten Island played in the history of immigration to the United States. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many immigrants passed through Ellis Island and then made their way to neighborhoods on Staten Island before moving on to other parts of the country.
Visitors to the Staten Island Museum can admire the Statue of Liberty replica and learn more about the history and significance of this iconic symbol of freedom and opportunity. The exhibit provides a unique opportunity to see a smaller-scale version of the Statue of Liberty up close and learn about its historical context.
So, while the original Statue of Liberty may be the more famous of the two, the replica in the Staten Island Museum offers visitors a chance to appreciate this iconic symbol in a different setting and gain a deeper understanding of its importance in American history.
