The Statue of Liberty stands as one of America's most iconic symbols of freedom and democracy, welcoming millions of immigrants to New York Harbor since 1886.
The monument was a gift from France to commemorate the centennial of American independence and symbolize the friendship between the two nations. When the Statue of Liberty was built, French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designed the copper structure while Gustave Eiffel engineered its internal framework. Standing at a total height of 305 feet (93 meters) from base to torch, Lady Liberty wears flowing robes and a crown with seven spikes representing the world's seven continents and seas. The Statue of Liberty torch meaning represents enlightenment, lighting the way to freedom. In her left hand, she holds a tablet inscribed with "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI" - the date of American Independence.
The Statue of Liberty meaning to immigrants was profound, as it represented their first glimpse of America and their hopes for a new life. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue has welcomed more than 12 million immigrants who passed through nearby Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. The statue's green color comes from the natural patina that formed when the copper exterior oxidized over time. Originally copper-colored, the statue turned its distinctive green by 1920. The history of the Statue of Liberty also includes significant renovations, most notably during its centennial in 1984-1986, when the torch was replaced and the internal structure was strengthened. Today, visitors can climb the 354 stairs to reach the crown, though access to the torch has been restricted since 1916. The statue continues to serve as a powerful symbol of American values, including freedom, democracy, and opportunity, drawing approximately 4.5 million visitors annually who come to admire this masterpiece of art and engineering.
