🤔 Today's Trivia Question:

What's the name of the tiny island that holds the Statue of Liberty?

Correct Answer: B) Liberty Island

🗽From France with Liberty: The Journey of New York's Iconic Statue

The Statue of Liberty, officially named "Liberty Enlightening the World," is a monumental neoclassical sculpture that stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, part of New York City. This iconic symbol of freedom was a gift from the people of France to the United States, designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. The statue’s intricate metal framework was created by the famed engineer Gustave Eiffel. Unveiled on October 28, 1886, the statue has since become a hallmark of liberty and democracy.

The statue represents a robed female figure, believed to be inspired by the Roman goddess Libertas, a symbol of freedom. She stands in a poised contrapposto stance, holding a torch aloft in her right hand, while her left hand carries a tablet inscribed with the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals. Her feet rest upon a broken shackle and chain, symbolizing the nation's emancipation from slavery after the Civil War. Since its dedication, the Statue of Liberty has become a welcoming emblem for immigrants arriving by sea, embodying hope and opportunity.

The concept for this statue originated in 1865, when French historian and abolitionist Édouard de Laboulaye proposed creating a monument to honor the centennial of U.S. independence and the triumph of American democracy. Though the Franco-Prussian War delayed its progress, by 1875 Laboulaye suggested that the French people finance the statue while the United States would provide the pedestal. Bartholdi began work on key elements, like the head and the torch-bearing arm, even before the entire design was finalized. These parts were later displayed in various international exhibitions to raise awareness and funds.

Despite enthusiasm, fundraising for the pedestal proved challenging in America, nearly stalling the project. It was saved by a campaign led by Joseph Pulitzer, who encouraged donations from over 120,000 contributors, many of whom gave small amounts. After construction in France, the statue was disassembled, shipped in crates, and reassembled on what was then called Bedloe’s Island. The completion of the statue was celebrated with New York's first ticker-tape parade and a dedication led by President Grover Cleveland.

Initially managed by the U.S. Lighthouse Board, and later by the Department of War, the statue has been under the care of the National Park Service since 1933. Today, it remains a major tourist destination, with limited access granted to visitors who wish to explore the pedestal and crown. However, the torch has been closed to the public since 1916.

Source: en.wikipedia.org