The Statue of Liberty

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The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States of America. Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was asked to design the statue for America’s 100th birthday in 1876. Problems with raising money for both the base of the statue as well as the statue itself set the project back ten years, but on October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty officially opened in New York harbor. Today it continues to greet travelers to New York and inspire all who look upon Lady Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty has an iron framework with a copper skin. That copper skin is only a little thicker than a penny. Even with such a thin skin, the statue weighs about 450,000 pounds. It rises 305.5 feet from the ground to the tip of the torch, and Lady Liberty herself is more than 111 feet tall from her feet to the top of her head.

Closely examine the image of the Statue of Liberty. Think about the following questions

  • What sort of a statue is this?
  • What is the statue doing?
  • What are some interesting details that you can see? Statue

Review the following Vocabulary Words and look closely at the detailed pictures of the statue below. 

tablet - a flat slab of stone, clay, or wood, used especially for an inscription. Stone tablet

continents - a main continuous expanses of land (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America). Continents

shackles - a metal link used to fasten a prisoners ankles. Shackles

tyranny - cruel or unreasonable rule from a government  Tryanny 

oppression  - cruel or unjust treatment Oppression

liberty -  being free within society from oppressive power  freedom

enlightening - give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation . enlightening

striding - to cross an obstacle with long  thoughtful steps stride

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of Liberty itself, is also a combination of many other symbols:

  • The tablet in her left hand is inscribed with "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI" (July 4, 1776) to recognize the creation of the United States of America. Tablet
  • The seven rays on her crown represent the seven continents of the Earth. Crown
  • At her feet are broken chains and shackles to represent the throwing off of tyranny and oppression.                                                          Shackles
  • The torch is a symbol of liberty. In fact, it is the source of the statue’s official name: Liberty Enlightening the World.                                                  Torch
  • Lady Liberty is striding forward, symbolic of leading the way and lighting the path to Liberty and Freedom.

Complete the Graphic Organizer to show your understanding.

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