It’s that time of year when Lady Liberty is center stage nationally. But how much do you know about the world-famous landmark and even the second Statue of Liberty? Yes, there are multiples, not just the original Statue of Liberty.
Why Did the French Give Us the Statue of Liberty?
After the American Civil War, French Historian Edouard de Laboulaye proposed that France give the United States a statue representing the two countries’ shared commitment to liberty and diplomatic relationship. The design was conceived and sculpted by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi to symbolize freedom and light beaming out to the world.
Because of its immense size, the statue required excellent structural support inside, engineered by Gustave Eiffel, designer of the famous Parisian tower. Building, transporting, and reassembling the statue in America was a tremendous task that took years until finally, in 1886, it was inaugurated on the then Bedloe’s Island, now called Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
While the 151-feet tall statue in New York is internationally famous, more than 100 miniature replicas exist worldwide, leading to “the second Statue of Liberty,” though even that name can be confusing. The official “second Statue of Liberty” is a quarter of the original’s size and resides on an artificial island, Ile aux Cygnes, in the Seine River, France. It was given to the citizens of Paris by Americans living in Paris to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution in 1889. This second statue was one of a few working models made during the development and creation of the more prominent statue.
In recent years, another statue has been called “the second Statue of Liberty.” This replica is 9.3 feet tall and 992-pounds and made from a mold scan of the original Statue of Liberty. It was displayed at the National Museum of Arts and Crafts (CNAM) in Paris in 2011.
Then in 2021, it arrived in the U.S. on July 1 to be displayed on Ellis Island for five days, facing the original Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island. After that, it was moved to the residence of the French ambassador in Washington, D.C., as a gesture of goodwill and the two countries’ long relationship. It will stay there until 2031.
Why Are There Shackles by the Statue of Liberty’s Feet?
The Statue of Liberty was a gift to America after the end of its Civil War. The broken shackles at Liberty’s feet represent the end of slavery and the victory of freedom and liberty. An earlier design for the statue also featured Liberty holding broken chains for the same reason, but some Americans didn’t want the reminder of the Civil War and what led to it. The book in her left hand replaced those broken chains, but the shackles she stands on remain. However, most Liberty Island visitors can’t see them because the statue is on a tall pedestal. They’re easily spotted in aerial photography of the statue.
Sail with Skyline!
Whether it’s the 4th of July or any other time, a Skyline Cruise is a great way to spend time with your loved ones. Skyline conveniently leaves from our home port at the World’s Fair Marina in Queens. Find out more about Skyline Cruises by calling (718) 446-1100 or using our form.
