🗽The Statue of Liberty: 6 Things You Probably Didn't Know 🇺🇸
While the Statue of Liberty has become one of America's greatest symbols of freedom, hope and opportunity, she isn't nearly as old as our nation. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, with a lot of the publicity surrounding the Statue of Liberty, I thought I would share the fascinating story behind Lady Liberty—and a few things you may not know...
🗽 The Statue of Liberty was originally intended for Egypt, not the United States!
In 1869, French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi envisioned a colossal lighthouse called "Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia." His plan was for the massive statue to stand at the entrance of the Suez Canal, symbolizing progress and enlightenment.
The only problem? The Egyptian government decided the project was simply too expensive and declined the proposal.
Bartholdi didn't let his dream fade though. Instead, he reimagined the design as a gift from the people of France to the United States. Less than two decades later, Lady Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, where she has welcomed millions of immigrants and visitors ever since.
But that's not the only fascinating thing about America's most recognizable landmark...
🗽 She wasn't always green! The Statue of Liberty is made of copper and originally gleamed with the color of a brand-new penny. Over time, nature transformed her into the beautiful green icon we know today as the copper developed its protective patina.
🗽 The torch you see today is not the original. During a major restoration in the 1980s, the original torch was replaced with one covered in 24-karat gold. The original now resides in the Statue of Liberty Museum.
🗽 She is literally breaking free. Hidden beneath her flowing robes are broken chains at her feet, representing freedom from oppression and tyranny. Many visitors never realize they're there!
🗽 It is a tablet she carries, not a book. The tablet is inscribed with "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI"—the Roman numeral date for July 4, 1776, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
🗽 She's even taller than most people realize. While the statue itself stands 151 feet tall, from the ground to the tip of the torch she reaches an impressive 305 feet, making her one of the tallest statues in the world when she was dedicated.
It's amazing to think that one of America's most treasured symbols nearly stood thousands of miles away in Egypt instead of New York Harbor. History has a funny way of changing course—and sometimes those unexpected turns create something even more extraordinary.
As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, the Statue of Liberty reminds us that freedom, hope and opportunity have inspired generations of Americans and millions of people from around the world.
May Lady Liberty continue to stand as a beacon of freedom for generations to come.
Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸
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