The Gift of Liberty: How France's Statue Became America's Symbol

The Legacy of Friendship and Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, arrived on June 17, 1885. It was a symbol of the deep alliance formed during the American Revolution, aimed at recognizing America as a champion of liberty and encouraging the French to support similar ideals.

The concept for the statue was first proposed in 1865 by Edouard de Laboulaye, a French political intellectual and anti-slavery activist. He envisioned a monument to honor the centennial of the United States' independence and the friendship between the two nations. This idea was further honed to celebrate the American Revolution.

Interestingly, while France was creating this masterpiece, the United States had its own gift in the form of the Eiffel Tower. Initially, the Parisians were not fond of the tower, viewing it as an unsightly iron structure. However, with time, the Eiffel Tower became synonymous with Paris and its beauty, making it one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.

The journey of the Statue of Liberty to America was a long one. Beginning in France, it was shipped to the United States on a specially constructed wooden ship. It arrived in New York Harbor on June 17, 1885, and was officially given to the United States in a grand ceremony on October 28, 1886.

From Construction to Legacy

The copper sculpture stands as a testament to the friendship and spirits of both nations. It is a symbol of liberty and a connection to the values that both countries share. The sculpture, created by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, is a massive copper statue that stands at 151 feet (46 meters) and was later expanded with a platform and foundation to reach 305 feet (93 meters).

Control of the statue was initially managed by the US Beacon Board until 1901, and then passed to the Department of War. Since 1933, it has been maintained as a part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument by the National Park Service. It is a significant tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.

A Symbol of Copper and Steel

The statue is made of pure copper that has developed a natural bluish-green patina. This is laid over a framework of steel, initially puddled iron. The torch that the statue holds is covered in gold leaf, initially made of a copper alloy and later replaced with glass sheets. The base of the statue is a solid explosion-proof stronghold, resembling a complex star shape. This star appears to be eleven-pointed, making it an impressive architectural feature.

The weight of the Statue of Liberty is approximately 204,117 kg, with the body of the statue alone weighing around 250,000 pounds. This significant weight is due to the use of pure copper in the outer construction, which is suspended from a steel framework.

A Journey of Friendship and Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is not just a physical structure but a symbol of the enduring friendship and shared values between France and the United States. It has stood as a beacon of hope and liberty, guiding millions through its embrace. From being an iron structure that faced initial rejection in Paris to becoming an iconic symbol of freedom, the story of the Statue of Liberty is as incredible as the statue itself.