Is the Original Statue of Liberty in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. It stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, welcoming millions of visitors every year. However, many people are unaware that the original Statue of Liberty is not in New York City but in Paris, France.

History of the Statue

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States as a symbol of friendship and alliance between the two nations. The idea for the statue was proposed by French historian Edouard de Laboulaye in 1865, who wanted to commemorate America’s centennial celebration of independence. French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design and create the statue, while Gustave Eiffel, famous for designing the Eiffel Tower, was responsible for its iron framework.

The Original Statue

The original Statue of Liberty stands on the Île aux Cygnes (Island of Swans) in Paris and is considerably smaller than its American counterpart. It measures just over 35 feet tall and faces west toward its larger sister statue across the Atlantic. The Parisian statue was presented to the city by Bartholdi himself as a gesture of gratitude for helping him fundraise for his American project.

Similarities and Differences

While both statues share many similarities in design and features, there are also some significant differences between them. For instance, the French statue holds broken chains at its feet to symbolize freedom from oppression while the American version sports a tablet inscribed with the date “July IV MDCCLXXVI” (July 4th 1776), commemorating America’s independence from British rule.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while most people associate the Statue of Liberty with New York City, it is essential to remember that the original statue is located in Paris, France. The two statues may look similar, but they hold different symbolic meanings. Both of them are significant landmarks and serve as a testament to the longstanding friendship between France and the United States.