The
Statue of Liberty
The
Statue of Liberty stands as a symbol, an idea for all of America and
even more important to a New Yorker. The symbol stands for freedom,
democracy and international friendship between the people of France
and the United States. It represents hope for people looking for a
new life, new place to live to start over in a place where they have
unlimited amount of opportunities, and a desire for liberty. When
coming to America our ancestors had to pass this cooper statue to go
to Ellis Island to start their new lives without out tyranny. As much
as it represents to New Yorkers it represents for all of the United
States.
The
Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France, the French
sculptor was Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi which is one of his best
remembered works and is also the most famous piece of sculpture in
America. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island which was
first known as Bedloes Island which is located on the Upper Bay so
when ships are entering they are in direct view of Liberty Island and
is greeted by the Statue and all that it represents. On October 28th,
1886 the statue was unveiled at New York’s first ticker-tape parade
which was done by President Grover Cleveland. But before this could
even happen, the French and the Americans had to raise money. “In
France, public fees, various forms of entertainment, and a lottery
were among the methods to raise funds. The United States, benefit
theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize fights
assisted in providing needed funds” (History of TSOL). France
raised the money fist to build the statue in Paris. By July 4, 1884
the statue was shipped to New York in 214 crates, but due to the lack
of funds the crates sat unopened for more than a year. “In 1885,
the committee was considering returning the statue or letting another
city to raise the money for it when New York World Publisher Joseph
Pulitzer promised to print the name of every donor in his paper, even
if the gift was only a penny. Within 3 months the final $102,000 has
been raised from 80,000 donations” (Wright 2008). Another amazing
feature on the statue is a carved poem by Emily Lazarus called “The
New Colossus”, she wrote this poem to help raise money for the
pedestal because she saw the statue as a beacon to the world. “Not
like the bronze giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride
from land to land: Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A
might woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lighting, and
her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon hand glows world wide
welcome; her mild eyes command. The air-bridges harbor that twin
cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
with silent lips. “Give me you’re tired, you’re poor, Your
huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your
teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me; I lift
my lamp beside the golden door!” (Lazarus) The Statue was built in
the courtyard of Fort Wood which was an Army base of the war of 1812,
the Fort and the Statue both became a National Monument on October
15, 1924. “In 1933 the care and administration of the National
Monument was transferred to a National Park Service. On September 7,
1937, jurisdiction was enlarged to encompass all of Bedloe’s Island
and in 1956, the Island’s name was changed to Liberty Island”
(SOL). With the Statue of Liberty standing 151 feet high, the book in
her hand which stands for the Declaration of Independence and is also
has the roman numerals of Independence Day on the cover of it.
New
York has many tourist attractions such as Empire State Building,
Central Park, Liberty Towers which was the Twin Towers before 9/11,
etc. But the greatest attraction of New York is the Statue of
Liberty. When hopping onto the ferry, driving past Liberty Island and
visiting Ellis Island you can feel how empowering, overwhelming the
statue is and the meaning behind it and what is stands for to all.
With Liberty Island getting tourists it brings in revenue to New
York. After 9/11 the Statue of Liberty was closed for a period of
time to all visitors. Once they decided to open up again there was
such a huge amount of tourist besides just New Yorkers who went to
visit to get that feel of freedom that the Statue represents that is
once had for their ancestors. The Statue of Liberty makes New Yorkers
feel strong and resilient and feel we can all come together and pull
through and live our dreams.
References
"History of
The Statue of Liberty." Statue of Liberty รข€” Statue of
Liberty History.
N.p., n.d. Web.
25 Aug. 2012.
<http://www.statueofliberty.org/Statue_History.html>.
"The Statue
of Liberty: The Meaning and Use of a National Symbol | EDSITEment."
The Statue of Liberty: The Meaning and Use of a National Symbol |
EDSITEment. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2012.
Wright,
Carol. "The Statue Of Liberty & Ellis Island." Blue
Guide: New York. 4th ed. London: E. Benn,
2008. 35-40. Print.
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