The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom in the U.S. and around the world, but there are some secrets you may not know about the iconic monument.
Special thanks to the City Reliquary
The statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and America around the world. It is an icon of New York City. After completion in 1886 it was used as a lighthouse until 1902. It was also the main feature one would see if immigrating to America all the way up to 1954. Press rewind for a moment to 1886. The statue was shipped in 350 pieces from France. The torch was on display by itself in Madison Square Park and the head was on display in Paris before being shipped. That’s pretty weird and awesome if you ask me. In high winds over 50 mph the statue of Liberty will actually sway in the wind, about 5 inches to be exact at the torch. WWI German saboteurs detonated an explosion that damaged the statues torch bearing arm. The renovation in the 80’s wasn’t cheap, at a whopping $1.7 million dollars the torch was completely gold leafed. Lastly, let’s not forget that she is struck by lightning, each year, about 600 times by lightning. Let’s put on some appropriate music for that. After the 9/11 attacks visitation was cut off indefinitely, all the way through the Bush administration until thankfully New York congressman Anthony Weiner made a personal crusade to eradicate this. Which was successful!
Subscribe to Mashable:
MASHABLE ON YOUTUBE
Subscribe to Mashable:
Best of playlist:
MASHABLE ACROSS THE WEB
Mashable.com:
:
:
Tumblr:
:
Google+:
Mashable is a leading global media company that informs, inspires and entertains the digital generation.
