With what materials was the Statue of Liberty constructed?

Tourist Attractions

By Kristy Tolley

Introduction to the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a world-renowned symbol of freedom and democracy. Standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue is a gift from France to the United States, which was dedicated on October 28, 1886. It is a colossal neoclassical sculpture that stands at 305 feet (93 meters) tall, including its pedestal, and weighs approximately 450,000 pounds (204,000 kilograms).

The statue features a woman with a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other, representing the idea of enlightenment and the law. Her face is stern yet peaceful, and she wears a flowing robe that drapes down to her feet. The statue is an engineering marvel, and it has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States.

The History of the Statue’s Construction

The idea for the statue was first conceived by a French law professor and politician named Édouard René de Laboulaye, who envisioned a monument to honor the Franco-American alliance during the American Revolution. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who was inspired by the Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The construction of the statue began in France in 1875, and it took almost 10 years to complete. The statue’s copper skin was constructed in separate pieces, which were then assembled on a framework of iron bars and supports. The statue was disassembled into over 300 pieces and shipped to the United States in 1885. It was then reassembled on its pedestal on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The pedestal was completed in 1886, and the statue was formally dedicated on October 28 of that year.

The Statue’s Creator and Design

As mentioned earlier, the statue’s creator was Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor who was born in 1834. He was chosen by Édouard René de Laboulaye to design the statue in 1871. Bartholdi had previously created several large-scale sculptures, but the Statue of Liberty was by far his most ambitious project.

Bartholdi’s design was meant to embody the ideals of freedom and democracy that were central to the American and French Revolutions. The statue’s pose and features were inspired by the Roman goddess Libertas, who was associated with freedom and liberation. The tablet in the statue’s hand is inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. The statue’s torch represents enlightenment and progress, and it is a symbol of hope for people around the world.

The Statue’s Materials and Their Origins

The Statue of Liberty is primarily made of copper, with an iron frame and a concrete pedestal. The copper skin was chosen for its durability and its ability to withstand the elements. The copper was mined from several sources, including the Kennecott Copper Mine in Utah, the Anaconda Copper Mine in Montana, and the Calumet and Hecla Mine in Michigan.

The iron frame and supports were manufactured by the Gustave Eiffel Company, which was also responsible for the construction of the Eiffel Tower. The concrete that was used for the pedestal was made from cement and sand from several quarries, including those in New Jersey and Massachusetts. The pedestal was designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt.

The Hand and Torch: Which Materials Were Used?

The statue’s torch and the flame were constructed from copper sheets. The torch is 29 feet (8.8 meters) tall, and it weighs 3,600 pounds (1,632 kilograms). The flame is covered with gold leaf and is illuminated by electric lights. The torch was raised in 1986 to commemorate the statue’s centennial, and a new torch was installed in 1984.

The Face and Crown: A Closer Look at the Materials

The statue’s face and crown were also constructed from copper sheets. The crown has seven rays, which represent the seven continents and seven seas of the world. The spike at the top of the crown is made of gold leaf and is meant to symbolize enlightenment. The statue’s face is 17 feet (5.18 meters) tall, and it was modeled after the face of Bartholdi’s mother.

The Robe and Base: Which Materials Were Chosen?

The statue’s robe and base were also constructed from copper sheets. The robe is draped in folds around the statue’s body and extends down to her feet, while the base is a pedestal that measures 89 feet (27 meters) tall. The base is made of concrete and was designed to support the weight of the statue.

The Armature and Structural Support

The statue’s armature and structural support were designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower. The armature is made of iron bars and supports, which were bolted together to create a framework for the copper skin. The armature is designed to withstand wind and other natural forces.

The Copper Skin: Thickness and Characteristics

The statue’s copper skin is 3/32 of an inch (2.4 millimeters) thick and weighs approximately 62,000 pounds (28,000 kilograms). Over time, the copper has oxidized and developed a green patina, which has become a signature feature of the statue. The patina protects the copper from further corrosion and gives the statue its distinctive color.

The Pedestal: Materials and Construction

The statue’s pedestal is made of concrete and was designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt. The pedestal measures 89 feet (27 meters) tall and is divided into several levels. The pedestal was designed to support the weight of the statue and to provide a stable base for visitors to view and appreciate the statue’s grandeur.

The Evolution of the Statue’s Appearance

Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has undergone several changes. In 1924, the statue was declared a national monument by President Calvin Coolidge. In 1937, the statue’s torch and flame were replaced, and the original torch was moved to the statue’s base. The statue underwent a major renovation in the 1980s, which included the installation of a new torch and the replacement of the statue’s armature and supports.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a testament to the enduring values of freedom and democracy. It is a symbol of hope and progress for people around the world. The statue’s construction was a remarkable feat of engineering and craftsmanship, and it continues to inspire and awe visitors to this day. The statue has become a beloved icon of American and French culture, and it remains an enduring symbol of the bonds that unite our two great nations.

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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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