If you go to New York City, one of the first things you’ll probably see is the Statue of Liberty. It’s a huge reminder of the freedoms that Americans should never take for granted.
The statue, which was built piece-by-piece over several years, was a gift from the people of France. The parts and pieces of the statue were designed and constructed in France, then shipped in crates to New York. The statue was put together (like a huge Lego construction) and completed in 1886.
The Statue of Liberty stands as tall as a 30-story building, and if you’re in good shape, you can climb a staircase to the top of the statue’s head and look out over the New York Harbor. It’s a long climb (354 steps!) but it’s certainly worth it!
Fun Fact: The Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Over 4 million visitors go there each year.
Fun Fact: The Statue of Liberty represents the freedoms and opportunities that Americans enjoy.
Fun Fact: The outside of the Statue of Liberty is made of copper. Because of a natural process called oxidation, the copper has turned green.
Fun Fact: The sickness of the copper sheeting on the Statue of Liberty isn’t very thick. In fact, it’s only about one-tenth of an inch thick. That’s about the thickness of two pennies stacked on top of each other.
Fun Fact: The Statue of Liberty is nicknamed “Lady Liberty.” Lady Liberty holds a torch that’s covered in 24-carat gold leaf. Workers can climb up a narrow ladder inside Lady Liberty’s arm and go to the top of the flame, but visitors aren’t allowed to go there.
Quotes About Freedom
“Education is the key to unlock the golden door to freedom.”
George Washington Carver
“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”
Bob Dylan
“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Nelson Mandela
“We must be free, not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.”
William Faulkner
“I’d like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free and wanted other people to be also free.”
Rosa Parks