Recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World monument has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Best known simply as the Statue of Liberty, the colossal sculpture is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York City, welcoming audiences across the eras to represent hope, freedom, and justice to provide inspiration to millions of people.
A Gift from the People of France
Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the idea for the statue was inspired by Édouard de Laboulaye’s 1865 idea for a monument that would serve as a gift from the people of France to the United States. Inspired by the centennial of the Declaration of Independence as well as America’s recent abolition of slavery, the piece was designed to celebrate the concept of liberty on an individual and national level. Bartholdi took further inspiration from his idea to create a huge lighthouse in the form of an ancient Egyptian female holding a torch aloft that did not come together. He focused on erecting this American statue on Bedloe’s Island (now named Liberty Island) as it was owned by the United States government.
In September 1875, fundraising efforts began with France responsible for creating the Statue and assembling it while the American people would fund and build the pedestal. To raise funds in France, public fees, various forms of entertainment and a lottery were used. Gustave Eiffel would help design the skeletal framework that the Statue’s copper skin resides on. Work on the statue was completed in 1884.
Committees to raise money to pay for the foundation and pedestal were formed in multiple American cities. Emma Lazarus wrote and donated the sonnet, “The New Colossus” as part of these fundraising efforts but donations were slow. In 1885, to fully fund the project and make it a reality, Joseph Pulitzer placed an ad in his paper inviting readers to donate to the cause. In exchange, Pulitzer printed each donor’s name in the newspaper, which brought in the remaining funds needed for the Statue’s pedestal. Architect Richard Morris Hunt would be selected to design the Statue’s granite pedestal which was constructed inside the courtyard of Fort Wood, a fortress built on the island for the War of 1812.
The Statue was broken down and shipped to the United States where it remained until the pedestal was complete. Reassembled throughout 1886, President Grover Cleveland oversaw the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in October of that year in front of thousands of people. Much of this history is on display inside the museum contained at the base of the monument as well as across Liberty Island, where audiences can also get a sense of the impact it has made on audiences across the eras.
A Symbol of Liberty
Mentioned as a masterpiece of colossal statuary and built at a monumental scale, the Statue of Liberty is one of the largest statues in the world. With a thematic connection to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the 151-foot statue is made of copper 3/32 inches thick. It resides on a large pedestal that gives it a total height of 305 feet (93 meters). However, the architectural scope and significance of the piece is secondary to the themes and connection it was built to represent and inspire.
The Statue of Liberty was designed to express the idea of American liberty and is a figure of Libertas, a representation of Liberty, the goddess of freedom widely worshipped in ancient Rome. Depicted in a robed neoclassical style, the torch it holds as well as the halo on the head represents how Liberty enlightens the world. The date of the Declaration of Independence is written on the tablet, further connecting the concept of liberty with the country and the statue.
Designated as a National Monument in 1924, the Statue of Liberty National Monument was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1971 and was made a New York City designated landmark in 1976. Various other markers and celebratory honors have been given to it, underscoring the economic and cultural impact it has made on the United States and across the world.
The Cultural and Economic Impact of an Icon
Hundreds of replicas of the Statue of Liberty have been created at all scales in locations all over the globe. It has also been depicted on American coinage and stamps and defines countless pieces of merchandise for sale at the location and across the country. Depictions of the statue have been used by many regional institutions and by countless organizations on everything from their logo to a means of identity.
Concession stands are located across the area but they are just one means of direct revenue. While there is no charge to access Liberty Island, ferry services that the government allows to operate the transportation to the island do charge a fee. Access to the pedestal requires reservations. There are 215 steps or approximately 10 stories to climb to the top of the pedestal but that’s just part of the experience that visitors can have throughout the monument itself and Liberty Island.
Visitors can get incredible views of the surrounding cities from the monument’s pedestal which also contains various pieces of Statue of Liberty history, but all of these experiences have been taken to the next level at the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island. This facility is the result of efforts by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, which works to preserve the legacy of Lady Liberty and share her story with visitors from all over the world. Support for the organization enables the development of educational opportunities for millions of families, communities, and students and much more.
Approximately 3.5 million people visit the Statue of Liberty every year, highlighting the incredible influence it represents to stakeholders and to audiences across the eras.
An Icon of All Eras
An enduring symbol of liberty and democracy, the Statue of Liberty has become one of the world’s most recognizable monuments. It defines maps, tours and has become a quintessential symbol of New York City and all of the United States.
Described as a “masterpiece of the human spirit,” the piece has been built at an incredible scale but the impact it has enabled is due to the connection it represents to people and themes that would resonate not matter how large or small.
