When was the Statue of Liberty created? The Statue of Liberty in the USA - the history of the American symbol of freedom and democracy

The Statue of Liberty was built on October 28, 1886. The French gave the statue to the American people as a token of friendship between France and America. Over the past years, the monument has been recognized not only as the personification of the friendship of the two peoples (which has receded far into the background), but also as a symbol of the freedom of the American people, a symbol of the United States and New York as a whole.

The creation of the monument was entrusted to the sculptor and architect Frederic Bartholdi. A deadline was set - by 1876 it was necessary to complete the monument, timed to coincide with the centenary of the US Declaration of Independence. It is believed that this is a joint Franco-American project. Americans worked on the pedestal, and the statue itself was created in France. In New York, all parts of the Statue of Liberty were assembled into a single whole.

After the start of construction, it became clear that much more funds were needed than originally planned. On both sides of the ocean, a large-scale fundraising campaign, lotteries, charity concerts, and other events were initiated. When calculating the design parameters huge statue Bartholdi needed the help of an experienced engineer. Alexander Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the Eiffel Tower, personally designed the strong iron support and frame that allows the statue's copper shell to move freely while maintaining the balance of the monument itself.

Pictured: Alexander Gustav Eiffel

After September 11, 2001, the statue and the island were closed due to terrorist threat, but in 2009 the tours were resumed. You can climb the statue itself and its crown, but the torch is still closed. All visitors are subjected to a personal search in order to avoid a terrorist act.

Another interesting fact is that a wind of 100 km/h causes the monument to sway 7.62 cm, while the torch will sway 12.7 cm. Cleveland delivered the following speech:

"We will always remember that Liberty has chosen this place as her home, and oblivion will never cover her altar."

It was a joint work of France and the United States, built to commemorate the long friendship between the peoples of these two countries. The French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi created the statue itself from sheets of hammered copper, while Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, the man who would later create the famous Eiffel Tower, designed the statue's steel structure.

It was transferred by the French to the United States and installed on a pedestal designed by the Americans on small island in Upper New York Bay, now known as Liberty Island, and was introduced by President Grover Cleveland in 1886. Over the years, the statue has watched millions of immigrants arrive in America via nearby Ellis Island. In 1986, the statue was extensively reconstructed in honor of the centennial anniversary of its discovery. Today, the Statue of Liberty remains an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Origin of the Statue of Liberty

Around 1865, when the American Civil War nearing its end, the French historian Edouard de Laboulet suggested that France create a statue to hand over to the United States to celebrate that national success in building a viable democracy. The sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, known for large-scale sculptures, was given the task; the goal was to have the sculpture completed in time for the centenary of the Declaration of Independence in 1876. The project would be a joint project between the two countries - the French were responsible for the statue, while the Americans would build the pedestal on which it would stand - and symbolize the friendship between their peoples.

Due to the need to raise funds for the statue, work on the sculpture did not begin until 1875. Titled "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World", Bartholdi's massive creation depicted a woman holding a torch in her right hand and a tablet in her left engraved with "July 4, 1776", the date of the Declaration of Independence. Bartholdi was said to have modeled the woman's face after his mother's, forging large copper sheets to create the statue's "skin" (using a technique called repousse).

To create a skeleton on which the skin would be assembled, he turned to Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, the designer eiffel tower Paris. Together with Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc, Eiffel built a skeleton from an iron support and steel, which allowed the copper skin to move freely, necessary condition at strong winds in the New York harbor area.

Statue of Liberty: assembly and dedication

While work on the statue continued in France, fundraising efforts for the pedestal continued in the United States, including contests, performances, and exhibitions. Near the end, owner and editor-in-chief" New York World" Joseph Pulitzer, through his campaign, raised the last necessary funds. Designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt, the statue's pedestal was built in the courtyard of Fort Wood, a fortress built for the War of 1812 and located on Bedloe Island at the southern tip of Manhattan in the Upper New York Bay.

In 1885, Bartholdi completed the statue, which was dismantled, packed in over 200 crates, and shipped to New York aboard the French frigate Isère. Over the next four months, workers assembled the statue and placed it on a pedestal; its height reached 93 meters along with the pedestal. On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland officially unveiled the Statue of Liberty in front of thousands of spectators.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

In 1892, the US government opened a federal immigration station on Ellis Island, located near Bedloe Island in Upper New York Bay. Between 1892 and 1954, approximately 12 million immigrants arrived on Ellis Island before being allowed to enter the United States. From 1900 to 1914, during the peak years of its operation, about 5,000 to 10,000 people passed each day.

Rising above New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty greeted majestically all who passed through Ellis Island. A plaque at the entrance to the statue's pedestal is engraved with a sonnet entitled "The New Colossus", written in 1883 by Emma Lazarus as part of a fundraising contest. His most famous passage speaks of the statue's role as a welcome symbol of freedom and democracy for the millions of immigrants who came to America in search of a new, better life:

Give me all those tired ones
who is oppressed by the cruelty of your tough temper, -
outcasts passionately thirsting for freedom.

Become a beacon of greatness and glory
my torch at the Golden Gate."

Statue of Liberty through the years

Until 1901, the American Lighthouse Board operated the Statue of Liberty as the statue's torch represented a navigational aid for sailors. After that, it was placed under the jurisdiction of the US War Department due to Fort Wood's status as another operational post for the Army. In 1924, the federal government made the statue a national monument, and it was placed in the care of the Service. national parks in 1933. In 1956, Bedloe Island was renamed Liberty Island, and in 1965, more than ten years after the closure of the Federal Migration Station, Ellis Island became part of national monument Statue of Liberty.

By the early 20th century, oxidization of the Statue of Liberty's copper skin from exposure to rain, wind and sun gave the statue its characteristic green color known as verdigris. In 1984, the statue was closed to the public and underwent a major restoration, just in time for its centennial celebration. Just as restoration began, the United Nations designated the Statue of Liberty as a world heritage. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Liberty Island closed for 100 days; the Statue of Liberty itself was closed to visitors until August 2004. In July 2009, the statue's crown reopened to the public, although visitors must pre-register to climb to the top of the pedestal or crown, The Statue of Liberty can only accommodate 240 people per day.

Jeroen van Luin / flickr.com Alan Strakey / flickr.com Liberty Island, New York, USA (Delta Whiskey / flickr.com) Statue of Liberty, New York, USA (Mobilus In Mobili / flickr.com) Andy Atzert / flickr .com Anthony Quintano / flickr.com Liberty Island, New York (Phil Dolby / flickr.com) Anthony Quintano / flickr.com Chris Tse / flickr.com sylvain.collet / flickr.com Plaque in the left hand of the Statue of Liberty with date of adoption Declaration of Independence (Pete Bellis / flickr.com) ali sinan köksal / flickr.com Jon Dawson / flickr.com Tom Thai / flickr.com Wilhelm Joys Andersen / flickr.com David Ohmer / flickr.com Justin / flickr.com Statue of Liberty Torch (Mike Clarke / flickr.com) Top view of the Statue of Liberty (StatueLibrtyNPS / flickr.com)

The Statue of Liberty is the main symbol of the American people, the idea of ​​freedom. In addition, this is another symbol of the New York metropolis.

The majestic building in America is located on Liberty Island. Approximately 3,000 meters southwest of Manhattan Island, New York. Until the year 56 of the last century, the island in the USA, which now adorns the Statue of Liberty, was referred to as Bedloe. Although at the beginning of the century it was already nicknamed the "Island of Freedom".

In the right hand of the statue, which is 12.8 meters long, a torch burns. On the left is a tablet, the length of which is 4.14 meters. It bears the date of the Declaration of Independence of the United States from Great Britain.

Broken chains are seen under the feet of the statue, which, in turn, symbolizes liberation. On the head, the distance from the chin to the back of the head is 5.26 meters. The length of the nose is 1.37 meters.

Statue of Liberty 7 Prong Crown, New York (sylvain.collet / flickr.com)

The statue is crowned with a crown of 7 teeth. It is a symbol of the seven seas and at the same time the seven continents. According to the geography the globe seven continents: Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Australia, Antarctica. Seven seas mean the same number of parts of the oceans. Also, windows are made in the crown, which shine like diamonds in the sun and decorate it.

Another fact is that visitors usually walk 192 steps to climb the pedestal. And in order to climb to the very top, you need to overcome 356 steps. The size of the statue is very impressive. Overall Height structure is 93 meters. And the height of the particular statue is 46 meters.

To visit this attraction, you need to get to the island by ferry. Usually they climb to the very top, from where you can admire the stunning panorama of New York and its harbor, indescribable.

Who gave the Statue of Liberty to America?

Despite the fact that the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of America and New York, it was by no means made in the States. Where did she come from then?

Tablet in the left hand of the Statue of Liberty with the date of the Declaration of Independence (Pete Bellis / flickr.com)

The attraction is interesting because it is a gift from France on Independence Day to the States. The statue was designed and made by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor. The main idea is to make a gift to America on the centenary of the Declaration of Independence.

The widow Isabella Boyer posed for the statue. An interesting fact is that it was the wife of Singer, the American creator of the famous brand of sewing machines. This lady was not the last person in the capital and at the same time a beautiful woman.

An interesting fact - the Statue of Liberty was originally planned to be placed not in New York, but in Port Said - in Egypt. But the Egyptian authorities considered this project too expensive. Therefore, it was decided to transfer the building to the USA, where it will rise on the island of the New York metropolis.

Design and preparation for construction

The authorities of the States undertook to build a pedestal, and in Paris they made the statue itself. The French undertook to install it on the spot.

Top view of Liberty Article, New York, USA (Phil Dolby / flickr.com)

In order to collect required amount for the implementation of the project, special measures were taken in both states. In France, a certain amount of money was raised thanks to lotteries, recreational activities donations from citizens. In America, theatrical performances, exhibitions of artists, fights in the ring and auctions were held to collect the required amount.

In France, the author of the construction, Bartholdi, needed a technically educated person to construct the statue. Another interesting fact, this person was destined to become the architect Gustave Eiffel, herself famous work which in the future became the Eiffel Tower. He needed to design a steel support for the structure and a frame to support the tall statue in an upright position.

For a statue high altitude a huge amount of copper was needed. There are different interesting versions about the place of its extraction. For example, in Russia, in Nizhny Tagil. But according to the results of the study, it turned out that the copper was from Norway. The concrete base on which the Statue of Liberty stands required a large number of cement. The German company for the production of concrete undertook to deliver it.

The formation of the amount needed for the construction was not fast enough. Joseph Pulitzer even urged American citizens to support the construction. His speeches significantly influenced the speed of the implementation of the plan. The pedestal was designed by an architect named Richard Morris Hunt.

Erection of the Statue of Liberty

The construction of the massive foundation near Manhattan in New York began on August 5, 1885. They built it in a little less than 9 months, and the work ended on April 22, 1886. Steel lintels are inserted inside the stone pedestal. The metal beams connected to them are directed upwards to go into the Eiffel frame inside the structure itself.

France made its gift in the summer. The length of the entire structure turned out to be almost 34 meters. For transportation, it was dismantled into 350 fragments, which were distributed among many boxes. They were transported to the United States on the Ysere ship. After 11 months, the Statue of Liberty appeared near New York, where it was erected in 4 months of work.

Officially, the Statue of Liberty was opened in 1886 in New York. The ceremony was attended by Grover Cleveland, then ruling in the United States, and more than a thousand residents and guests of the city.

History of the Statue of Liberty in the United States of America

The Statue of Liberty near New York City sits on its massive granite base inside Fort Wood, built for defensive purposes in the early 19th century. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the lighthouse service was responsible for the operation of the facility. After this role was taken over by the military in the United States.

On October 15, by decree of the US government, Fort Wood, in combination with the Statue of Liberty, acquired the status of a monument to the American nation in the United States.

"a symbol of New York and the USA" Jon Dawson / flickr.com

In 1933, the US National Park Service became responsible for the Statue of Liberty. In 1937, the size of the monument grew and began to coincide with the outline of Bedloe. In 1956, the name of the island changed, it acquired a new name - Liberty Island.

In 82 of the last century, under the influence of the head of the country, Reagan, a project was created to restore the Statue of Liberty. As a result, an amount of 87 million dollars was collected. In 1984, restoration work began, during which the old torch was replaced with a modern one with gold coating. Another interesting fact is that 24-carat gold was used for coating. In 1986, the renovated Statue of Liberty welcomed everyone to visit it on the occasion of the anniversary.

In early September 2001, due to the tragedy in the Twin Towers, the island, along with the Statue of Liberty, became inaccessible to those wishing to visit it. And only in 2004, the Statue of Liberty was again open to the public, but access to the top was still closed.

Since July 4, 2009, by order of US President Obama, it has become possible to visit the top of the Statue of Liberty. In 2011, elevators with stairs were updated in honor of the next anniversary. In addition, for the convenience of visitors, an escalator was installed here. In 2012, the Statue of Liberty became fully accessible to New Yorkers and visitors to the United States.

The Statue of Liberty is one of the symbols of America and New York. It has been attracting tourists for many years and is a cult place among Americans.

The most famous symbol of America is the sculpture "Liberty Enlightening the World". Many are aware that it was a gift from France, but few people know which country else participated in its creation, albeit indirectly.

Also from the article it will be possible to learn about some interesting facts associated with the construction, installation and operation of the statue. And also you will know the names of those who made a lot of effort to create a monument.

What was the gift for?

It is known who gave America the Statue of Liberty. But what was this gift dedicated to? In 1876, France decided to present a present for the centenary of US independence. It took years to raise funds for this idea. The French and Americans took part in this. But while the statue was erected, several years had passed, and the anniversary of independence had already passed.

"Lady Liberty" holds a tablet in her hand, on which the date of signing is written in Latin, namely "July 4, 1776". In 1883, Emma Lazarus' sonnet "The New Colossus" was dedicated to the statue. Lines from it were engraved on a plate in 1903 and attached to the pedestal of the sculpture.

History of creation

The story began with the decision of France to entrust this work to the sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Further, the countries agreed that the pedestal would be built by American forces, and the sculpture - at the expense of the French. Who else was involved in the creation of the gift?

For your attention - a list of those who gave America the Statue of Liberty:

• Frederic Bartholdi designed appearance and gave his wishes as to where the Lady Liberty would be best placed;
• and his assistant Maurice Koechlin created drawings of a massive steel support and supporting frame;
• Richard Morris designed the pedestal for the sculpture;
• US General William Sherman chose the site for the statue;
• Ulysses Grant is the President of the United States who supported the idea of ​​creating a symbol of Freedom.

The sculpture was completed in 1884. She was delivered disassembled on the frigate Ysere to New York Harbor a year later. It took more than two hundred boxes to do this. It took four months to assemble official opening took place on October 28, 1886. Despite the fact that the gift was ten years late for the centenary, many honored guests gathered for its opening, including US President Grover Cleveland. If it were not for such a belated opening of the monument, then the people of America heard a congratulatory speech from which 07/04/1976 still held this post.

Russian trace

In addition to the French and Americans, according to some sources, Russians are also involved in sculpture. The copper sheets with which it was covered were purchased in Russia. They were made at the Nizhny Tagil plant. However, many researchers have already been able to refute this fact. The fact is that in those days there had not yet been laid in Nizhny Tagil Railway. The researchers concluded that the copper was brought from Norway, although there is no documentary evidence for this.

Who gave America the Statue of Liberty? Regardless of whether there was a Russian or Norwegian trace in this, it was the French people who initiated and created the symbol of freedom.

Selecting a location for installation

Where is the Statue of Liberty today? As at the time of its installation, it is located on an island three kilometers southwest of Manhattan (its southern part), in New York. Before the appearance of the statue, it was called Bedloe's Island. After the installation of a French gift on it, the people began to call it the island of Liberty. In 1956 it was officially renamed.

Use of the statue

For the entire period of its existence, the well-known symbol of America was not just an architectural monument. Initially, it was planned to be used as a lighthouse. Practice has shown that the lamps in the torch were weak and inefficient. From the unit that managed the lighthouses, the figure was transferred to the military department, and later to the service that dealt with national parks.

By 1924, the exhibit became a US National Monument, and was later included in the UNESCO list.

How was the Statue of Liberty used? different years? She had the following incarnations:

• lighthouse;
• museum;
• Observation deck.

During the entire existence of the figure, it was repaired many times, but the most global work was carried out in 1938 and 1984.

The reader already knows who gave America the Statue of Liberty. But few people know that the sculpture depicts ancient Greek (some historians agree on this). This goddess was the mistress of hell, and the torch was used by her in underworld. In addition, she was considered the patroness of witchcraft, insanity, madness, obsession. Hecate was depicted with horns on her head, but they can be seen at the statue in the form of rays of light. Although it is believed that in fact Bartholdi embodied the image of the ancient Roman goddess Libertas.

The right hand holding the torch crossed Atlantic Ocean three times. It was first transported in 1884 to Philadelphia for the World's Fair, after which it was returned back. The third time the hand swam across the ocean with all the other parts of the statue.

After the events of September 11, 2001, access to the island and the symbol of America was closed. By 2012, access was fully open, up to the crown. You can go up the stairs or take the elevator. To reach the crown, you need to go through 356 steps. The observation deck has 25 windows overlooking the harbor.

There are many smaller copies in the world. For example, in Paris, Tokyo, and more than two hundred copies are in America itself.

It is believed that the number of rays on the crown symbolize the seven continents, according to Western geographical tradition.

By 1886, the torch was badly damaged by corrosion and it was replaced with a new one, which was covered with 24-carat gold.

But not for US residents.

This statue is was donated by the French government in honor of the 100th anniversary of the American Revolution. From that moment on, Bedloe Island, on which Lady Liberty is installed, is now called Liberty Island.

In English the name sounds like Statue of Liberty, and literally translated into Russian as the Statue of Liberty.

General information and description

The Statue of Liberty stands on the wreckage of the chains. In her left hand is a tablet, on which is written a date significant for America (the day the US Declaration of Independence was signed - July 4, 1776). She has a torch in her other hand., which personifies the light that illuminates the path to freedom.

For your information! To get to the crown, tourists have to climb 356 steps. But it's worth it, because having risen to the top, from the main observation deck open up incredible spaces. There are 25 windows here, which are symbols of precious stones.

You can visit the museum inside the statue and learn the long haul of creating America's top landmark. The museum can be accessed via an elevator.

What does the statue symbolize and mean?

The Statue of Liberty got its name for a reason. This symbol of the freedom of the american people. It personifies and signifies the victory of democracy and the independence of the country.

History of creation

What inspired the idea for the statue?

The main reason for the creation of the statue was declaration of independence of the united states of america which took place on July 4, 1776.

What year was it built?

Solemn about The opening of the sculpture took place on October 28, 1886. The ceremony was attended by US President Grover Cleveland.

An interesting fact is that only men were present at this event, despite the fact that the statue symbolized democracy. As an exception, there could be several women on the island, among whom was Bartholdi's wife.

Who is the creator and architect?

The author of the project and the creator of the Statue of Liberty is French sculptor and architect Frederic Bartholdi. The French engineer Alexandre Gustav Eiffel, the creator of the Eiffel Tower, participated in the creation and design of the frame and reinforcing elements.

Interesting fact! But both the Americans and the French took part in the construction of the monument. For example, the star-shaped pedestal is the design of the American architect Richard Morris Hunt.

How was the construction and installation?

History tells that parts of the body of the future Lady Liberty were cast in France, but the pedestal was created in America. For 4 months, the connection of the statue took place. Bartholdi made several mistakes in his calculations.

The fact is that the materials that were allocated for the construction of the monument were not enough. To solve financial problems, charity evenings were organized, the main purpose of which was to collect money that would be sewn to buy materials.

Americans were reluctant to hand over their money, as a result of which the famous American journalist Joseph Pulitzer wrote a couple of articles in the newspaper in which he called on the upper and middle classes to take part in the construction of a symbol of American freedom.

By this time, the French had completed half of their work, and the finished parts of the statue were sent to America.

What happened to the statue in different years and up to our time?

Original Statue of Liberty should have been used as a beacon. But the lamps built into the structure were not too powerful. The practical application of the Statue was never found, therefore in 1921, the monument was transferred to the US military department, and in 1933 to the US National Park Service.

Note! By the 100th anniversary of the creation of the monument, a total reconstruction was carried out. It was President Reagan's decision. All funds for the reconstruction were collected from the citizens of America. The renovation cost $2 million.

Throughout the existence of the statue, the period of its visit has changed several times. There were no tours in the following years:

• for the period from 1982 to 1986 (reconstruction);
• from September 2001 to the end of 2004 (due to the threat of terrorist acts);
• in October 2013 (the activities of the government were suspended).

Which country donated the statue to the United States?

The Statue of Liberty was donated to America by the French government in honor of the 100th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.

The giant monument was scheduled to be presented on July 4, 1876. Due to lack Money this celebration had to be postponed.

Where is?

The monument is located in the United States on Liberty Island, which is located in the state of New Jersey in 3 km southwest of the coast of the New York district of Manhattan.

The exact location of the monument is indicated on the map, the scale can be zoomed in and out:

The territory of Liberty Island originally belonged to the state of New Jersey, later was administered by the city of New York, and currently under federal control.

What is he holding in his hands?

The Statue of Liberty is one of the world's most famous masterpieces.

In her right hand she has a torch, and in her left, a tablet with an inscription.

What is written on the tablet in your hand?

In the right hand is a tablet on which is written the date of an important event for the people of America - Independence Day of the United States of America.

Characteristics

Height

The dimensions of Lady Liberty are quite impressive. Its height to the top of the torch is 93 meters.

How many rays are on the crown?

There are 25 viewing windows on the crown. They are a symbol of America's wealth. And here are the rays that come out of it (7 pieces), represent the seven continents and seas. In addition, they symbolize the expansion of freedom in all directions.

How much does the monument weigh?

The weight of one nail of Lady Liberty is 1.5 kg, and the entire monument weighs 225 tons.

What is it made of?

Production material - copper. It took about 31 tons to cast the "lady".

The length of the nose and other elements

Here are the main dimensions of the main elements of the face:

• head - 5.26 m;
• nose length - 1.37 m;
• eyes - 0.76 m;
• arm length - 12.8 m;
• brush length - 5 m.

The plate enclosed in right hand, has a size of 7.19 m.

What is it installed on?

One Lady's foot is set on broken chains. This is how Bartholdi symbolically showed the acquisition of freedom.

The base is made of concrete. For its implementation, a significant amount of cement was required.

Where is he looking?

The grand landmark has been welcoming tourists and expats for many years with words engraved on the pedestal. They reflect the life of the American people, equal opportunities, freedom and democracy.

For this reason Lady freedom back to the city and facing the bay. Thus, she looks at the ships sailing into the country with guests and emigrants.

What is inside?

At the foot of the monument is a broken chain. Which symbolizes the cast off the shackles of slavery and the victory of democracy. There are windows for viewing in the crown, but to add to them, you just need 356 steps. Inside the monument, tourists can safely move along the spiral staircases.

For your information! Except incredible nice review from the windows on the crown of Lady Liberty, inside there is a museum, visiting which you can learn the whole history of the creation of this monument.

You can get to the museum by elevator, which is located inside the pedestal. Thanks to the glass flow, you can see the impressive "insides" of the statue.

Why is the statue green?

Despite the fact that today the monument has a green color, in the original it was a bright golden-orange color.

In black and white photos, this is imperceptible, but this fact is confirmed by historical references.

For example, in Russia in the Hermitage there is a painting in which you can see the original color of the statue.

Since for the manufacture of the statue they used copper, then after the first decades, it oxidized, resulting in a green color. Although during sunsets in New York, Lady Liberty becomes an unusually bright color that slightly resembles the original.

How can I get to and get to the Statue of Liberty?

To the site of the monument for an excursion, tourists take the ferry. Their favorite place is the crown. And this is not surprising, since it is from there that the beauty of the local landscape and views of the New York coast opens.