The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from the people of France to commemorate 100 years of Franco-American friendship. The statue also commemorates the centennial of America’s independence.
History of the Statue
The statue was formally known as “Liberty Enlightening the World.” It was sculpted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. The framework was designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel.
There are 377 steps to the crown from the ground. There are 25 windows in the crown. The seven rays of the statue’s crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world.
The tablet held in the left hand of the statue reads in Roman numerals “July 4th, 1776.” The weight of copper in the statue is about 176,000 pounds (88 tons). Total weight of the statue’s concrete foundation is 54 million pounds (27,000 tons).
Security and Tourism
Visitors undergo airport-style security screenings prior to boarding the ferry. A secondary screening is required for visitors entering the monument.
The waters around Liberty Island are a restricted water zone. US Park Police provide security for visitor ferries to Liberty Island.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
