Introduction

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic symbols of the United States. Known as "Lady Liberty," she represented hope and opportunity for millions of immigrants arriving in America in the early 1900s. For many, seeing the statue meant the beginning of a new life filled with possibilities.

Location and Size

The statue is located on Ellis Island in New York City and stands 305 feet tall from the base to the tip of the torch. When she was first constructed, she was the tallest structure in New York City. Although many buildings are taller now, she still stands as a powerful symbol of freedom.

Material and Appearance

The Statue of Liberty is made of copper, the same material once used to make U.S. pennies. While copper is brown when new, it turns green over time due to weather exposure. This green color is called a patina, and it helps protect the statue from further damage.

A Gift from France

The statue was a gift from the people of France to the United States in honor of its 100th birthday in 1876. However, due to construction and funding delays, it was completed and dedicated in 1886. It stands as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.

Honored on Money and Stamps

The Statue of Liberty has appeared on many U.S. coins and postage stamps. She continues to be a beloved national figure recognized around the world.

One of many U.S. postage stamps honoring the Statue of Liberty

Most Famous Quote

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." – from Emma Lazarus’ poem, *The New Colossus*, inscribed at the base of the statue.

Statue of Liberty Video - NPS.gov

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the Statue of Liberty became such a powerful symbol for immigrants?
2. What does the green color of the statue tell us about copper?
3. How did the Statue of Liberty come to the United States?
4. Why do you think France gave this gift to the U.S.?

Glossary

• Iconic – Very famous or widely recognized.
• Immigrants – People who move to another country to live.
• Patina – A green film on copper caused by weathering over time.
• Dedicated – Officially opened or presented for public use.
• Structure – Something that has been built, like a building or monument.

Five Interesting Facts

1. The statue was assembled in the U.S. after being shipped in pieces from France.
2. It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
3. The statue’s full name is “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
4. The statue’s torch has been closed to the public since 1916.
5. The statue’s crown has seven rays, representing the seven continents and seas.

Timeline of the Statue of Liberty

1. 1865 – Idea for the gift proposed by Édouard René de Laboulaye in France.
2. 1870 – Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi begins designing the statue.
3. 1876 – U.S. celebrates its 100th birthday; partial statue displayed at Philadelphia Expo.
4. 1884 – Statue completed in France.
5. 1885 – Shipped to the U.S. in 350 individual pieces.
6. 1886 – Statue of Liberty officially dedicated on October 28.
7. 1903 – Emma Lazarus’s poem "The New Colossus" added to pedestal.
8. 1916 – Torch closed to the public after WWI explosion.
9. 1924 – Declared a national monument.
10. 1984 – Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11. 1986 – Celebrates 100th anniversary with major restoration.
12. 2001 – Closed after 9/11 attacks, then reopened in stages.
13. 2009 – Crown reopened to the public.
14. 2019 – New Statue of Liberty Museum opens on Liberty Island.