The Statue of Liberty

 The Statue of Liberty is a great symbol of our nations freedom. The statue stands in New York Harbor on Liberty Island. Before the statue of Liberty, the island was named Bedloe Island. The Statue was a gift to the united states from France. It was constructed overseas and shipped to America in 214 boxes! In 1876, the right arm(the one that holds the torch) was displayed in Philadelphia. The statue was then completed and dedicated in 1886 in new york harbor. For the first 13 years it was the tallest structure in the world.

 The statue was designed by the french sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, and was assisted by Gustave Eiffel. The statue consists of an iron frame covered by copper sheets. The statue is 151 feet tall and weighs 450,000 pounds. When it was constructed, the statue of liberty contained many new inventions, it had an elevator, electric lights and stainless steel. It's torch in it's right hand had 9 lamps in it and there are 168 stairs leading to the crown on it's head, with a fabulous view of the harbor.

 There are many symbols of freedom and opportunity in the Statue of Liberty. The torch lights the way to America. The crown on it's head has seven spikes which represent the seven continents. The full name of the statue is " Liberty Enlightening the World." The statue has greeted countless immigrants on their way to America.The tablet that she holds in her left hand has the date of the signing of the declaration of Independence written on it. At her feet are broken chains symbolizing the end of tyranny. Around the pedestal there is a famous line of a poem by Emma Lazarus. It reads: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"  The Golden door that the poem speaks of is America. Back then most immigrants came through Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and opportunity and sends the message that we will welcome all.