United States #1035 (1954) – Statue of Liberty (1875), Liberty Island, New York City

Description

United States #1035 (1954) – Statue of Liberty (1875), Liberty Island, New York City

The Statue of Liberty, dedicated on October 28, 1886, is one of the most iconic symbols of the United States. Here are some key details about the Statue of Liberty:

1. Location:
   • The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, near the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City.
2. Origins:
   • The idea for the statue was conceived by French political thinker and abolitionist Édouard René de Laboulaye as a gift from the people of France to the United States to celebrate its centennial and symbolize the enduring friendship between the two nations.
3. Design and Construction:
   • The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, and its framework was built by Gustave Eiffel, who later designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
   • The statue’s exterior is made of copper sheets, and its internal framework is constructed of iron.
4. Symbolism:
   • The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and the spirit of independence. The broken chains at her feet represent freedom from oppression and tyranny.
   • Lady Liberty holds a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) with the date of the United States Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.
5. Access:
   • Visitors can access the statue by taking a ferry to Liberty Island. The statue’s pedestal and crown require separate tickets, and advance reservations are often recommended.
6. Ellis Island:
   • The Statue of Liberty is often associated with nearby Ellis Island, which served as a major immigration station from 1892 to 1954. Together, these sites represent the immigrant experience and the quest for freedom.
7. National Monument:
   • In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge designated the Statue of Liberty a National Monument. In 1933, the care and administration of the statue were transferred to the National Park Service.
8. Renovations:
   • The statue underwent significant renovations for its centennial restoration project, completed in 1986. This project included the replacement of the original torch with a new, gold-leaf-covered torch.

The Statue of Liberty is not only a significant monument in terms of history and art but also a powerful symbol of the ideals upon which the United States was founded. It continues to be a major tourist attraction and a powerful representation of freedom worldwide.