Why is Lady Liberty holding a torch?

What does the torch represent? The torch is a symbol of enlightenment. The Statue of Liberty's torch lights the way to freedom showing us the path to Liberty. Even the Statue's official name represents her most important symbol Liberty Enlightening the World.



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In her raised right hand, the Statue of Liberty holds a torch. This represents the light that shows observers the path to freedom. In her left hand, she clutches a tablet bearing “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI,” the Declaration of Independence's adoption date in Roman numerals.

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History of the torch. The original torch of Lady Liberty was held by her hand until 1984. It was replaced in order to bring in something newer and more efficient and to better represent the wishes of the statue's designer.

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The tablet This date of American independence was chosen by Bartholdi due to its association with America's Declaration of Independence. He greatly admired the American fight for liberty and freedom, as well as the U.S. Constitution. As a symbol, the tablet represents a book of law.

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Since the Statue of Liberty was so close to Black Tom Island, the shrapnel from the explosion ended up damaging the torch, made of copper and glass. The damage was so severe that to this day, tourists are not permitted to climb into the torch.

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- 212 363-3180). Which direction does she face? The Statue of Liberty faces Southeast and was strategically placed inside of Fort Wood which was a perfect base for the Statue. The Statue's position was also perfect for ships, entering the harbor, to see her as a welcoming symbol.

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Originally, the sculptor planned to place the chains in the Statue's left hand, which instead became the position of her tablet. Bartholdi opted to place the chains and shackles at the feet of Lady Liberty to symbolize Liberty breaking free from bondage.

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With 31 tons of copper and 125 tons of steel, the scrap value of the Statue of Liberty comes in at $227,610, far below two of the most expensive statues in the world. But that's what happens when you use millions worth of gold and bronze.

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Is the torch open? The torch has been closed since the Black Tom explosion of July 30, 1916, which was one of the largest acts of sabotage to our nation prior to the event of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Many people think they've been there and confuse it with climbing a spiral staircase which goes to the crown.

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The robe that the Statue of Liberty wears is the traditional garb that Roman goddesses were depicted wearing in classical art: a cloak and gown, or pella and stola. Lady Liberty is modeled after the Roman goddess Libertas, who was worshipped in Ancient Rome as the goddess of liberty and freedom.

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Inhabitants: for over 200 years people lived on the island - though admittedly not in large numbers. But since early 2014, Lady Liberty is the only inhabitant on the island after her last neighbor, David Luchsinger, superintendant of the Statue of Liberty National Monument retired.

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3. Lady Liberty is struck by lightning 600 times every year. Standing proud, exposed to the elements, the statue has to withstand around 600 lightning bolts every year and, in high winds, the torch can sway by about 5 inches side-to-side!

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Anyone visiting the crown must be able to walk up at least 162 steps on a confined spiral staircase. There is not an minimum age for the crown access but instead a minimum height requirement. Children must be at least four (4) feet (1.2 meters) tall to visit the crown.

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Known as the “Keeper of the Flame,” DeLeo was responsible for ensuring the light bulbs—some 22 stories up—were changed. He accomplished this every day, rain or wind or shine, so that when people see the statue they are left with a sense of hope. DeLeo believes this spirit embodies the best of what America offers.

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Portions of the island that are above water are part of New York, while riparian rights to all of the submerged land surrounding the statue belong to New Jersey. The southwestern section, 4.17 acres (1.69 ha), of the island was created by land reclamation.

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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.)

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