Member-only story
Icon of Freedom: Exploring the Symbolism and Legacy of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands tall as one of the most iconic symbols of freedom and democracy in the world. Gifted to the United States by France in 1886, this colossal monument has inspired generations with her towering presence and powerful symbolism.
Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, the Statue of Liberty was conceived as a symbol of Franco-American friendship and the shared values of liberty and democracy. It was constructed in France and later disassembled, shipped to the United States, and reassembled on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
Standing at 305 feet tall, including its pedestal, the Statue of Liberty is a monumental feat of engineering and artistry. Its construction involved meticulous planning and collaboration between French and American engineers and craftsmen. Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the visionary behind the statue’s design, meticulously crafted intricate plaster models to perfect every detail before the final statue was realized. Gustave Eiffel, renowned for his expertise in metalwork, designed the iron framework that supports the statue’s copper skin, ensuring its stability and durability.
The statue’s copper exterior, comprised of over 300 copper sheets, was painstakingly hammered into…
