Statue of Liberty Construction: The Story Behind Building ‘Lady Liberty

The Statue of Liberty stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, symbolizing the core ideals of liberty and freedom upon which the nation was founded. A monumental gift from the people of France to the United States, this towering statue has become a universal symbol of hope and democracy.

The planning, design, and construction of the Statue of Liberty were ambitious undertakings that spanned several years. Much of the initial work took place in France, with renowned sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi leading the design. Funding the project required massive donor efforts in both France and the United States, with public campaigns playing a crucial role in bringing “Lady Liberty” to life.

sculptor, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi

Materials Used in Construction

When designing the Statue, the noted sculptor Bartholdi decided to make use of sheet copper for the exterior of the statue of liberty construction. This was decided for many reasons – sheet copper cost less compared to some other mainstream metals, and it was easy to mould.

It also weighed less and would have made it easier to ship the statue to US upon completion. In all, around 300 copper plates were used for the exterior. To support the sheet copper exterior, Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower fame, created an iron framework. The iron framework comprises of four wrought-iron posts to which the general frame of the iron rods is attached.

An excellent feature of this iron frame is that it allows for the expansion of copper due to temperature changes, without incurring any permanent damage.

The Statue and the Pedestal

When the Statue of Liberty was in the planning phase, it was decided that the French would construct the statue itself, lead by Bartholdi. The pedestal, however, would be provided by the United States. Richard Morris Hunt was commissioned to construct the pedestal.

He made use of Doric architectural elements as well as Aztec features in constructing the pedestal. The materials used in the construction of the pedestal included poured concrete for the walls and granite blocks for the finish.

The pedestal rises in the form of a truncated pyramid, with the base square dimensions at 62 feet and the top square dimensions at around 40 feet.

Dimensions of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty stands 46 meters tall. Together with the pedestal on which it stands, the statue has a height of 93 meters. When measured from the heel of the foot to the top of the stars, the statue measures 34 meters. The hand of the statue alone has a height of 5 meters.

One of the iconic features of the statue of liberty tablet which it holds, signifying law and civilization. This tablet has a length of 7.19 meters and a width of 4.14 meters. The total weight of the Statue of Liberty is around 204 tonnes. The copper used in the statue weighs at around 27 tonnes while around 113 tonnes of steel is used for the frame.

Statue of Liberty - American History - Liberty Torch

Statue of Liberty Construction – The Crown and the Chains

Two notable features of the statue include the statue of Liberty crown at her head and the chains at her feet. The crown features seven rays and has 25 windows. The chains lay broken at the feet of the statue and are hidden by her robe.

When was the Statue of Liberty constructed?

The construction of the Statue of Liberty began in France in 1875 and was completed in 1884. The statue was then dismantled, shipped to the United States, and reassembled on Liberty Island in 1886.

Who built the Statue of Liberty?

The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the Eiffel Tower. The pedestal was designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt.

How was the construction of the Statue of Liberty funded?

Funding came from both French and American citizens through public donations, lotteries, and fundraising campaigns. In the U.S., newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer led a major drive to gather the necessary funds.

What materials were used to build the Statue of Liberty?

The statue is made of copper sheets, supported by an internal iron framework. The pedestal is constructed from concrete and granite.

How long did it take to construct the Statue of Liberty?

It took around 9 years to complete the statue in France. Reassembly in the United States took about 4 months, with the official unveiling occurring on October 28, 1886.

Why was the Statue of Liberty built in France first?

France offered to build the statue as a gift to the United States to celebrate their friendship and shared ideals of liberty. Construction in France allowed French citizens to be involved in the creation before it was shipped to America.

 


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