The Statue of Liberty and What it Stands For

A politician and sympathetic writer of the history of the United States by the name of Edouard Rene de Laboulaye was head of discussions in France about a suitable gift for the United States. France wanted to mark the Centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. Frederic Bartholdi, a French sculptor, was chosen to design a sculpture. The Suez Canal was Bartholdi's inspiration, as he envisioned a giant lighthouse standing at the entrance to the canal. He patterned it after the Roman goddess Libertas, with a light beaming out from both a headband and a torch thrust dramatically upward into the skies. He sculpted the statue and obtained a U.S. patent, which was useful for raising construction funds through the sale of miniatures.

The Statue of Liberty is made of copper and stands 151 feet tall on a steel framework. Eugene Viollet-le-Duc was responsible for the choice of copper. The crown, with its seven points, represents the seven seas. The torch, which is coated in gold leaf, represents a burning passion for freedom, and the broken shackles at the base of her feet represent freedom from oppression.

To many Americans, the Statue of Liberty conveyed a profoundly personal message. It is considered one of the most recognizable icons of the United States, and represents liberty and escape from oppression. It is also known affectionately as "Lady Liberty" and has become a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

The Statue of Liberty functioned as a lighthouse from 1886-1902. In 1916 floodlights were placed around the base of the statue. There are 354 steps inside the statue, and 25 windows in the crown. It can withstand heavy winds. The statue will sway 3 inches and the torch 5 inches in winds of 50 mph. This allows it to move rather than break. On that dreadful day of 9/11, Liberty Island closed, but reopened in December. The monument didn't reopen until August 3, 2004, but the statue has remained closed. On August 9, 2006 there was a letter sent to the Congressman stating that the statue would remain closed indefinitely because of unsafe access.