The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks of the United States of America. It is a symbol of liberty and democracy that is recognized all over the world. The statue is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and has been a popular tourist attraction for over a century. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States and was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
Design and Construction of the Statue
The statue was designed by the French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and was constructed between 1876 and 1884. The statue is made of copper sheets that were hammered into shape and then riveted together. The statue’s internal structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who would later go on to design the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The statue stands 305 feet tall from the ground to the tip of its torch and weighs over 225 tons.
Fundraising for the Statue’s Transportation
The transportation of the statue from France to the United States was a costly endeavor. The cost of the pedestal on which the statue would stand was covered by the United States government, but the cost of transporting the statue itself was not. To raise funds for the transportation, the American Committee for the Statue of Liberty organized a nationwide fundraising campaign. Donations were collected from individuals, businesses, and organizations all over the country.
The Selection of Bartholdi’s Design
Bartholdi’s design was chosen from a number of submissions. His design featured a female figure holding a torch in her right hand and a tablet in her left. The tablet was inscribed with the date of the United States Declaration of Independence. The figure was modeled on the Roman goddess Libertas, who was a symbol of freedom.
The Decision to Transport by Sea
The decision was made to transport the statue by sea. The statue was disassembled into 350 pieces that were packed into more than 200 crates. The crates were then loaded onto the French navy ship Isere, which set sail for New York on May 21, 1885.
The Transportation of the Statue
The journey from France to the United States was a difficult one. The Isere encountered bad weather and rough seas that delayed the journey. The captain of the Isere also had to navigate around icebergs in the North Atlantic. The journey took over two months to complete.
Challenges Faced During Transportation
During the journey, there were a number of challenges that had to be overcome. The crates containing the statue had to be properly secured to prevent damage during rough seas. The ship also had to be refueled and resupplied along the way. In addition, the crew had to ensure that the weight of the crates was evenly distributed on the ship to prevent it from tipping over.
Arrival of the Statue in America
The Isere arrived in New York Harbor on June 17, 1885. The statue was then transported to the pedestal on which it would stand on Liberty Island. The pedestal had been constructed in advance of the statue’s arrival and was designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt.
Unpacking and Assembly of the Statue
The statue was unpacked and assembled on the pedestal over the course of several months. The internal structure of the statue was reassembled first, followed by the copper sheets that made up the exterior. The statue was then covered in a thin layer of gold leaf to give it a glowing appearance.
Public Reception of the Statue
The statue was met with great enthusiasm by the American public. It quickly became a popular tourist attraction and continues to be so to this day. The statue’s symbolic meaning as a symbol of freedom and democracy resonated with Americans and immigrants alike.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Statue
The Statue of Liberty has come to represent many things to many people. To Americans, it is a symbol of freedom and democracy. To immigrants, it is a symbol of hope and opportunity. The statue stands as a reminder of the values that America was founded on and the ideals that it continues to strive towards.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Statue
The Statue of Liberty has become a beloved symbol of America and is recognized all over the world. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of freedom and democracy that is at the heart of American society. The statue’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of Americans and people from around the world for many years to come.
