The Statue of Liberty, aka Liberty Enlightening the World, is one well-known landmark – it's one of the most famous and beloved icons in the world. Erected in the bay of New York in 1886, it’s the first monumental thing many European immigrants saw of the USA on their arrival day.
But how well do you really know her? People travel for miles to see this French lady who owns her own island in the USA. The grandeur of the statue may be impressive, but it is the stories behind this lady that make her so interesting. From the symbols it carries to its lighthouse function to its appearance in many movies, it had many lives. Here are fun facts you might not have known about the Lady in the Harbor.
What are the interesting anecdotes about the Statue of Liberty?
- 1
Her spiky hat is symbolic
Yes, each of the seven spikes on her crown represent the seven oceans and the seven continents of the world. This is said to represent the universal concept of liberty. It's not only about fashion!
- 2
She is actually French
Her head even spent some time in Paris at the World's Fair before it was given as a gift to celebrate the centenary of the American revolution and the friendship among the two countries. That's cute, right?
- 3
The statue served as a lighthouse
If you were thinking she has no use and is just a big hunk of metal, think again, she actually served as a lighthouse, guiding ships and sailors home after a long trip on the ocean.
- 4
Her head isn't on properly!
In 1982, people discovered that the head had actually been installed 2 feet off center. Whoopsie!
- 5
Nobody is allowed in the torch
In 1916 the statue suffered minor damages from the Germans and nobody has been allowed to go into the torch since. Well, surely they could have had it all sorted by now?
- 6
Lightning doesn't strike twice, does it?
It is thought that the Statue has actually been struck 600 times by lightning... what would you expect from a huge monument made of metal?
- 7
She escaped her chains
Although you can not see, at the statues feet there are broken shackles symbolizing the country moving forward from oppression and slavery. She is also moving her right foot towards a new, free era.
- 8
Why is she green?
The statue is green because of the oxidation of copper. It's not paint! The metal is slightly damaged and corroded.
- 9
Measurements
The girl isn't that skinny. Being 35 feet across the waist and with a size 879 shoe, she really is on the larger side. Big is beautiful!
- 10
She's a Hollywood star, too
A 'disaster movie trope', rather. The statue destroyed in the movie Independence Day (1996) has been a feature in many other films. See it, in all its glory, by picking a hotel situated in Lower Manhattan, for example.
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