What is the Statue of Liberty? Basic information you should know before traveling to New York

If you're planning a trip to New York, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see.

This guide provides a clear summary of everything you need to know before visiting the Statue of Liberty, including basic information, history, the background to its design, and how to climb to the crown.

Get more out of your trip to New York by learning more about the Statue of Liberty and getting information you can brag about to your friends and followers.

1.What is the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty is a world-famous landmark that symbolizes New York City. This giant bronze statue attracts many tourists as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Below, we will explain the basic information about the Statue of Liberty, its design and designers, and what it symbolizes.

Basic information about the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is officially called "Liberty Enlightening the World."

The statue was completed over 100 years ago, on October 28, 1886, as a gift from France to the United States.

Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue stands at a height of 305 feet (93 meters) including its base, which may seem surprising considering the statue itself is 151 feet (46 meters) tall.

The gigantic statue is made of a steel structure covered with copper panels and weighs approximately 225 tonnes.

You can climb the stairs inside the Statue of Liberty and enjoy amazing views of New York City from the crown.

There is also a plaque at the base of the statue that explains the history of American independence and immigration.

The design and architect of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Bartholdi was inspired by the ancient Roman goddess of liberty, Libertas, when he designed the statue. He depicted the Statue of Liberty as "Liberty enlightening the world," with a torch in one hand, a symbol of freedom and democracy, and a tablet in the left hand with the date of the "Declaration of Independence" engraved on it.

The statue's steel structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel, best known for designing the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Eiffel strengthened the internal frame and designed a structure to support the copper panels so that the statue could withstand high winds and natural disasters. This collaboration allowed the Statue of Liberty to stand tall in New York harbor for over 120 years.

What the Statue of Liberty Symbolizes

The Statue of Liberty is more than just a tourist attraction. Its symbolic meaning is deeply rooted in American history and culture. First of all, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The torch in her right hand is meant to shine the light of freedom on the world, and the tablet in her left hand is inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence, "July 4, 1776." This symbolizes the day America achieved independence and gained freedom.

Additionally, the Statue of Liberty is also a symbol of hope for immigrants. In the early 20th century, millions of immigrants arrived in America through Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty was their first sight of America. The statue became a welcoming symbol for those seeking a new life and hope.

At the feet of the Statue of Liberty are broken chains and shackles, which symbolize freedom from oppression and slavery. This element emphasizes that the Statue of Liberty is not just a symbol, but represents concrete freedom and liberation.

2. History of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is familiar to many people as a symbol of New York City, but there is a variety of historical background to its creation. In this section, we will take a closer look at the background and history of the Statue of Liberty's construction, its role as a gift from France to America, and its role and changes since its construction.

Background and history of construction

The construction of the Statue of Liberty began as a project to symbolize friendship between France and the United States. In the late 19th century, France planned to build a giant bronze statue as a gift to the United States to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American independence. The project was conceived by French legal scholar Édouard-René de Laboulaye and designed by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi.

The project was funded by donations from citizens of France and the United States. In France, schools and civic organizations actively raised funds, while in the United States, the city of New York ran a newspaper campaign to raise funds for the construction of the pedestal. Ultimately, with the cooperation of both countries, the necessary funds were raised and construction went ahead.

The statue was constructed in France and the finished pieces were shipped to America, where it was assembled on its pedestal after arriving in New York and formally unveiled on October 28, 1886.

France's Gift to America

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States as a symbol of friendship and solidarity. The gift strengthened the historical ties between the two countries and positioned them as sharing ideals of freedom and democracy. France and the United States have had close ties since the American War of Independence in the 18th century. France supported the United States during that war, and the two countries have maintained strong political and cultural ties since then.

The Statue of Liberty was presented as a symbol of this historic relationship and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American independence. The presentation ceremony, attended by the American president and the French envoy, was an opportunity to reaffirm the friendship between the two countries.

The Statue of Liberty's Role and Transition Since Its Construction

The Statue of Liberty quickly became a symbol of New York City and a beloved figure among many. Throughout its history, the Statue has played many different roles.

In the early 20th century, the Statue of Liberty was a symbol of the beginning of a new life for immigrants to America. It is said that immigrants passing through Ellis Island felt a sense of hope and freedom when they saw the Statue of Liberty. The statue played a role in reinforcing America's image as the "land of the free."

The Statue of Liberty has also occasionally been used as a political symbol: for example, during World War II, her value as a symbol of freedom was reaffirmed, and after the war she came to symbolize the restoration of peace and democracy.

A major restoration project in the 1980s restored the Statue of Liberty's splendor, a critical step towards ensuring her iconic role continues into the future.

3. How to climb the Statue of Liberty's crown

Climbing the Statue of Liberty's crown is a special experience for tourists visiting New York. To enjoy the magnificent view, advance preparation and planning are important. In this section, we will explain in detail the route to the crown, ticket information, the view and highlights from the crown, and precautions for climbing safely.

Route and ticket information to the Crown

To climb the Statue of Liberty's crown, you must purchase tickets in advance. Access to the crown is limited, so it is recommended that you book your tickets early. Tickets can be purchased online and can be reserved through the Statue of Liberty's official website.

The route begins with a ferry ride to Liberty Island, which departs from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The ferry runs regularly and is included in your Statue of Liberty ticket.

After arriving at Liberty Island, you will go through security and then head to the Statue of Liberty's pedestal. To access the crown, you will need to use the stairs inside the pedestal. The stairs are narrow and steep, with approximately 162 steps, so we recommend that you are physically fit. You can also take an elevator to the pedestal, but you must use the stairs from the pedestal to the crown.

Views and attractions from the crown

The views from the Crown are said to be some of the most beautiful in New York City. Upon reaching the Crown, a small observation space offers sweeping views of New York Harbor, the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn, and even New Jersey in the distance.

This observation deck is at the top of the Statue of Liberty and the views from the windows are truly spectacular - you can look down on the activity in New York Harbor and the ships passing around the Statue, and on a clear day you can see far into the distance.

You'll also get an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty's structure inside the Crown, where you can touch the copper panels and internal steel structure -- a special experience that will give you a deeper understanding of the design and construction techniques of the Statue of Liberty.

Important points to remember for safe climbing

The climb to the crown is full of excitement and thrills, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you enjoy it safely.

First of all, the stairs are very narrow and steep, so you need to be very careful when climbing up and down. If you have any concerns about your knees or feet, or if you are afraid of heights, please check your physical condition and situation in advance. There are no rest points along the stairs, so once you start climbing, it will be difficult to turn back halfway.

Also, the temperature inside the Statue of Liberty can get high, so we recommend that you dress lightly. It can get especially hot in the summer, so be sure to stay hydrated.

Due to strict security checks, bringing large bags or backpacks is prohibited, so be sure to only bring the bare necessities with you.

Finally, the viewing space at the Crown is very small, so please avoid staying for long periods of time and be considerate of other tourists. Taking photos makes for great memories, but please be considerate of others so they can enjoy the experience.

4. Summary

The Statue of Liberty, with its magnificent appearance and symbolic meaning, is deeply engraved in the hearts of people as a symbol not only of New York City but of the entire United States. By understanding its history, design, and what it symbolizes, you will be able to appreciate the true value of the Statue of Liberty more deeply. When you visit New York, be sure to experience the Statue of Liberty up close and feel its magnificent history and meaning.