What is the Statue of Freedom holding?

What is the Statue of Freedom holding? The Basics Her right hand rests upon the hilt of a sheathed sword wrapped in a scarf; in her left hand she holds a laurel wreath of victory and the shield of the United States with 13 stripes. The helmet is encircled by nine stars.

Why is the Statue of Freedom facing east?

Why does the Statue of Freedom face east, away from the National Mall? The Capitol's East Front was planned, and still serves, as its principal entrance (being the only front on level ground), and the statue faces those who arrive from this direction.

What did Lady Liberty used to look like?

The copper statue, officially unveiled on October 28, 1886, took four months to assemble and 20 years to transform from its original copper hue into its iconic green through a process called patination. (Fast facts about the Statue of Liberty from National Geographic Kids.)

Why is the Statue of Liberty not smiling?

Her expression is serious — determined. She isn't smiling with a twinkle in her eye or posing seductively like many other feminine statues you might be familiar with. Instead, her severe expression and the calm demeanor of her face represents the long and difficult journey to freedom.

What are the words written on the Statue of Liberty?

A gift from the people of France, she has watched over New York Harbor since 1886, and on her base is a tablet inscribed with words penned by Emma Lazarus in 1883: Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

What are two ways The Statue of Liberty symbolized freedom?

Her appearance designed after the Roman Goddess Libertas symbolized freedom from tyranny, while her right foot, tablet, torch, and broken chains also personified the enlightenment that our country has in providing a path towards liberty and abolishing slavery.

What are some fun facts about the Statue of Liberty?

Why is Statue of Liberty green?

The Statue of Liberty is just one of the iconic landmarks in New York City. It's made of copper, which has oxidised naturally to form a green patina coating which actually protects the copper underneath. It took about 20 years for the Statue of Liberty to change from copper coloured to green!

How many Statue of Liberty are there in the world?

There are two genuine statues and several lesser versions of the Statue of Liberty. The original and most famous is the one located on Liberty Island, a gift from the French to America. The second is located in Paris, France, and was a reciprocal gift from the United States in 1889.

Why is the Statue of Liberty so famous?

The Statue of Liberty. She is an icon, a national treasure, and one of the most recognizable figures in the world. Each year millions who cherish her ideals make the journey to experience her history and grandeur in person. She is the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope.

What country gifted the Freedom Statue to USA?

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France, made its way to America on June 17, 1885. The French people, in honor of the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution, presented the statue to recognize America as a champion of liberty and encourage the French to support the same ideals.

What is the controversy with the Statue of Freedom?

Secretary of War Davis considered the liberty cap that Crawford included in his proposal for the dome statue as problematic, however, arguing that the cap's “history renders it inappropriate to a people who were born free and would not be enslaved.” He recommended that “armed Liberty” instead “wear a helmet,” given “ ...

Who is the real person behind Statue of Liberty?

A portrait of Auguste Bartholdi. The sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was born in 1834 in Colmar, France in the Alsace region on the border of Germany.