Interesting Statue of Liberty Facts for Kids

Americans and people from around the world recognize the Statue of Liberty as a sign of hope and celebration of freedom. It stands guard on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Your kids will love learning more about Lady Liberty.

Statue of Liberty

You can throw in these Statue of Liberty facts for kids in a variety of subjects. Of course, learning about Lady Liberty and other national landmarks is great anytime of the year, but it’s especially great around Independence Day.

When you’re studying American history in your homeschool, learning about national landmarks in the U.S. is a natural fit. Learning about the Statue of Liberty can fit in well in various time periods like the early 1900s when immigration through Ellis Island was at its height.

There are dozens of Statue of Liberty worksheets that you can use to help teach your kids about this iconic figure in New York Harbor.

Statue of Liberty Facts for Kids

You may think you know all the basics about the Statue of Liberty, but the details behind this symbol of freedom are amazing! It’s even more interesting to learn about this statue if you have ancestors in your family tree who came to the United States of America via Ellis Island. This symbol of freedom would have been one of the first things they saw in their new country.

What is Lady Liberty’s real name?

Most of us know this famous statue as Lady Liberty. But the official name of the Statue of Liberty is Liberty Enlightening the World.

It was a gift of friendship from from the people of France, reminding the world of the how the two countries worked together during the American Revolution and culminating in the greatest document of freedom in world history – the Declaration of Independence.

So, this statue commemorates that America is a sign of hope and opportunity for people all over the world and an inspiration to all that liberty can enlighten the whole world.

How old is Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty turns 136 years old in 2022.

Construction started on the Statue of Liberty in 1876 in France. The head of the statue was proudly exhibited at the Paris World’s Fair in 1878. On June 17, 1885, a French frigate arrived in New York Harbor with the pieces of the statue.

After more fundraising to build the pedestal, construction of the base was finally begun in April 1886 on Bedloe’s Island. It was finally complete and on October 28th, 1886, U.S. President Grover Cleveland oversaw the dedication of the finished monument.

What’s special about the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people to the American people as a celebration of our Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. The construction of the statue was a collaborative effort between the two countries. The people of France built the statue itself and Americans built the statue’s pedestal.

Why is the Statue of Liberty important?

The Statue of Liberty is important because it is a symbol of freedom. It was the first sight of immigrants to America as they sailed into New York harbor back in the early 1900s. The Statue of Liberty poem sums it up the best.

Written by American poet Emma Lazarus, the famous sonnet is inscribed on a bronze plaque at the foot of the pedestal. Emma Lazarus wrote the poem during the fundraising for the building of the pedestal back in 1883.

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she

With silent lips. “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-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Emma Lazarus

November 2, 1883

How did the Statue of Liberty get its name?

The Statue of Liberty was named “Liberty Enlightening the World” by its sculptor, Frenchman Frederic Bartholdi. Now the famous statue is also known as Lady Liberty.

Who built the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty was built by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi. It took many years from design to finally building the statue. There was design work, yes, but also fundraising! It was an expensive effort for the people of France and America to fully fund the transportation and building of Lady Liberty.

The internal structure was designed by engineer Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi who was the designer of the Eiffel Tower. His genius design of an iron internal structure allowed room for two spiral staircases where visitors could climb to the observation point in the crown.

What two things is the Statue of Liberty holding?

The Statue of Liberty is holding a torch in her right hand and a stone tablet in her left.

Both of these symbols are important to the symbolism of the statue. The tablet bears the date July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals, the birthday of American Independence. The torch symbolizes the Enlightenment and liberty shining a light to show the path forward in freedom. It also reminds us of the official name of the statue, Liberty Enlightening the World.

What do the 25 windows in the Statue of Liberty represent?

The 25 windows in the crown of the statue represent the 25 gemstones of the earth and heaven’s rays. At night when the statue is lit, you can see the light coming from the windows.

What do the 7 rays on the Statue of Liberty stand for?

The seven rays on the statue’s crown represent the seven continents and the seven seas. The rays each measure 9 feet long and weigh 150 pounds!

What is inside the Statue of Liberty?

The internal structure of the Statue of Liberty was designed by the Eiffel Tower’s engineer. The iron rivets and bars create a secure structure on which to hang the “skin” of the statue. There is also a double helix staircase inside the statue, allowing visitors to climb to Lady Liberty’s crown.

Fun Facts About the Statue of Liberty

Here are some interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty.

• Lady Liberty is struck by lightning bolts 600 times per year!
• You will walk a total of 354 steps from the statue’s pedestal to the head of the statue
• It took nine years to build the Statue of Liberty.
• The copper statue has a green color because of oxidation.
• The statue’s pedestal makes up half its height at 154 height. The height of the statue is 151 feet. So the entire sculpture is 305 feet tall.

Check out this list from AOP for more interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty.

In Conclusion

We hope these Statue of Liberty facts for kids have ignited some interest and curiosity in your homeschool. The Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island make great homeschool field trip destinations! Lady Liberty remains an inspiration not only to the American people but also to people from around the world who are longing to be free.