The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic signs of freedom the United States has. For generations, immigrants found “Lady Liberty” was the first thing they witnessed arriving at Ellis Island, but did you know it wasn’t even made in America?

Some of the facts about the Statue of Liberty are surprising, such as where it came from, and why it’s green. That’s why we’ll explore the Statue of Liberty in depth - next time you see it, you can impress your friends with these great fun facts!

And, if you’re looking for a great way to enjoy the Statue of Liberty, don’t wait to book your New York Harbor Tour. Our curated boat tours give you all the history, culture, and more behind the Big Apple’s most iconic sites.

Where is the Statue of Liberty From?

While many people think that the Statue of Liberty was constructed in the United States, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.  

In fact, the Statue of Liberty was built in France. Anti-slavery advocate Édouard René Lefèbvre de Laboulaye - in conversation with the sculptor of Lady Liberty, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi -

believed the struggles for human and civil rights from the American Civil War should be memorialized in a monument.

American President Grover Cleveland presided over the dedication of the statue after it was installed in 1886, followed by a massive parade of between 700,000 and one million people.

Who is the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty is a representation of Libertas, a Roman liberty goddess. With the abolition of slavery during the conception of the statue, it was meant as a beacon of the freedom that can be enjoyed in the country.

How Many People Visit the Statue of Liberty Each Year?

Year-over-year, more than three million people visit the Statue of Liberty each year. Tourists from all over the world - along with people who live in the United States - make it a point to experience the beautiful ocean vistas found at the top of the statue.

Why is the Statue of Liberty Green?

Originally, the Statue of Liberty was brown. Can you believe that? 

The Statue of Liberty is made of copper which, untarnished, is a dark-brown color. Over the years, oxygen and salt formed a green film over the statue known as patina.

Debates over whether the statue should be restored to brown or left with its light-green patina color have been heated. As of today, there are no plans to restore the brown of the Statue of Liberty.

Who Paid for the Statue of Liberty?

You may be surprised to find out that the funding and materials for the Statue of Liberty were largely donated.

Over $120,000 (which was a lot of money at the time) was donated by just about 100,000 people. About 80 percent of the donations were less than one dollar, while copper industrialist Eugène Secrétan donated the copper used for the statue.

What Does the Statue of Liberty Say in its Inscription?

The current inscription of the Statue of Liberty reads:

“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” 

The first passage was written by poet Emma Lazarus. The inscription means that the doors of liberty are open to all, from the most successful to the most destitute.

The inscription of the Statue of Liberty has for millions over the decades meant an escape from poverty, authoritarianism, and nations locked in traditional ways. As a way of “starting over” for many people around the world, the message of liberty and freedom says that in the United States anyone can succeed - regardless of your background.

Want to See the Statue of Liberty Up Close?

Booking with New York Harbor Tours gives you and your friends the opportunity to see the Statue of Liberty - along with many other iconic sites - in stunning detail. Book your trip today!