How Old Statue Of Liberty

So, there I was, standing in the middle of Times Square, trying to wrap my head around the fact that I was actually in New York. I mean, who wouldn't be a bit starstruck, right? But then it hit me, I hadn't even seen the real reason I'd come all this way - the Statue of Liberty. I mean, I'd seen her in movies and on postcards, but nothing beats the real deal, am I right?

Now, you might be thinking, "Dude, she's just a statue. What's the big deal?" Well, let me tell you, this isn't just any statue. This is the Statue of Liberty we're talking about. She's a symbol, a icon, a piece of history that's been standing tall for over a century. And you know what? She's got a pretty interesting story to tell.

From French Gift to American Icon

Alright, let's rewind a bit. The year is 1886, and France decides to give us Americans a little something to remember our friendship by. They come up with this grand idea of a statue, designed by this French sculptor guy named Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. They even give her a fancy French name, "La Liberté Éclairant le Monde" - that's "Liberty Enlightening the World" to you and me.

But here's the thing, the French didn't have the cash to actually build this thing. So, they started a fundraiser, and it took them about a decade to collect enough money. Meanwhile, the Americans were like, "Yeah, yeah, we'll take care of the pedestal." And that's how our girl Liberty ended up in New York Harbor, welcoming immigrants and inspiring hope for over 130 years now.

More Than Meets the Eye

Now, I know what you're thinking. "She's just a statue. What's so special about her?" Well, let me tell you, there's more to Lady Liberty than meets the eye. For starters, she's not just standing there, holding a torch and a tablet. No, no, no. Those are symbols, see?

The torch in her right hand represents enlightenment, guiding the way to freedom. The tablet she holds in her left hand carries the inscription "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI" (that's 1776 to you and me), commemorating the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. And that seven-rayed crown on her head? That's a symbol of the seven seas and seven continents, representing the universal concept of liberty.

On this day in history, October 28, 1886, Statue of Liberty is unveiled

But here's where it gets really interesting. You know that plaque at the base of the statue? The one that says, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"? That's not just some random quote. It's a line from a sonnet by Emma Lazarus, written in 1883 to raise money for the statue's pedestal. It's a powerful message of welcome and hope, and it's become just as iconic as the statue itself.

From Green to Brown to... Green Again?

You might have heard that the Statue of Liberty is green. But did you know that she wasn't always that way? When she was first unveiled, she was actually a shiny copper color. But over time, the copper started to oxidize, turning green due to the reaction with the air and the sea salt. This process, called patination, actually helps protect the statue from further corrosion.

But here's the thing, that green color isn't uniform. It's darker in some places and lighter in others, depending on how much exposure the copper has had to the elements. And get this, the green isn't just on the surface. It's actually a part of the statue now, about a quarter of an inch thick. Pretty cool, huh?

The Statue of Liberty: The Story in Pictures of the Mother of Exiles

Now, you might be wondering, "Why not just clean her up and restore her to her original copper glory?" Well, that's a bit of a debate. Some people argue that the green color is a part of her history and identity. Others think that a good cleaning would make her shine like new again. But for now, Lady Liberty stays green, a testament to her age and the passage of time.

More Than Just a Statue

So, there you have it. The Statue of Liberty is more than just a statue. She's a symbol of hope, a beacon of freedom, and a testament to the friendship between two nations. She's been through a lot in her over 130 years, from being a gift from France to becoming an American icon. And you know what? She's still standing tall, welcoming all who come to her shores.

Next time you see her, whether it's in person or on a postcard, take a moment to appreciate her. She's more than just a statue. She's a piece of history, a symbol of hope, and a reminder of the best of what we can be.