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The Statue (雕像) of Liberty (自由) is the tallest statue in the United States. People around the world know this big green woman. Where did this work of art come from? Mr. Laboulaye, an important man in France, wanted to help the United States celebrate (庆祝) 100 years of independence (独立). In 1865, he said France should give a gift to the United States. The gift was the Statue of Liberty. First, a place needed to be found for the statue. A French artist, Mr. Bartholdi, said they should put it on an island near New York. The Americans thought about it and agreed (同意). Then, Mr. Bartholdi made a small clay (粘土) model (模型) of the statue. The French engineer, Mr. Eiffel (埃菲尔), made sure the statue would be strong enough to last (持续) a long time. Workers in France made the statue in pieces and then put it together. American workers built its base (基座，基础) on the island (岛屿). All of this work cost a lot of money. People from both countries gave money to help pay for it. In 1876, France sent the arm and torch (火把，火炬) of the statue to the United States. They were set up (树立，建起) for everyone to see. When Americans saw the arm and torch, they got excited. They wanted to give even more money. The arm and torch were sent back to France in 1882. The statue was put together in 1884. The inside was made of iron (铁). The outside was made of over 300 sheets of copper (铜). Then the statue was taken apart again! The pieces were sent to the United States on a ship. The Statue of Liberty was supposed to be given to the United States in 1876. Even though it was late, people were still excited. The president (总统) of the United States spoke at the big celebration (庆典，庆祝). The Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island. It can be seen from miles (英里) away. The statue started out the color of a new copper penny. Over the years, the air turned it green! The Statue of Liberty weighs as much as 115 cars. The statue itself is taller than three school buses placed end-to-end. With the base, it is as tall as a 30-story building. The Statue of Liberty is more than a work of art. It stands for friendship between two countries. It has also given hope to people who have moved to the United States. A poem (诗) in a room inside the base welcomes these people from other countries. Parts of the statue have special meaning. The torch in its right hand stands for freedom (自由). The tablet (匾，碑) in its left hand has the date (日期) July 4, 1776, written on it. This is when the Declaration (宣言) of Independence was signed (签署). The United States became its own country on this date. Visitors to the statue take a large boat to Liberty Island. They can walk into the base and even climb to the crown (王冠). Many people visit the Statue of Liberty each year. People will continue (继续) to come to see the statue that stands for (代表) freedom. |
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