Statue of Liberty for Kids
U.S. Postage Stamps Featuring The Statue of Liberty
For many immigrants coming to the United States in the early 1900’s, the sight of the Statue of Liberty, as their boats passed through New York Harbor, meant the start of a new life, in a new country – where anything was possible. Between 1886 and 1924, nearly 14 million immigrants viewed the Statue of Liberty as they sailed through New York Harbor; many, with nothing more than hope and the clothes they wore.
“Lady Liberty,” as she is sometimes called, represents the Roman Goddess of freedom, Libertas. From ground to torch, the Statue of Liberty rises 305 feet above Liberty Island and New York Harbor. She was designed by F.A.Bartholdi, and given to America as a gift of friendship from France in celebration of America’s 100th birthday on October 28, 1886. The statue is also meant to commemorate the French contribution in the realization of America’s independence. The statue and torch were built in France and shipped in crates to America, where the statue was assembled and moved atop the 89 foot-tall pedestal. Interestingly, there exists a balcony encircling the top of the torch that people were once able to access. It has been closed, however, since 1916 because of safety concerns.