Title

Statue of Liberty

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-15-2019

College

College of Engineering

Department

Department of Construction Management

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Kirsten Davis

Abstract

This project explores the Statue of Liberty, which was originally known as Liberty Enlightening the World until it was made a national monument in 1924. The purpose of this study is to examine how the statue was an ambitious project in its time. Standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, this statue was the tallest iron project to be erected and remains the tallest statue in the U.S. Consisting of cast iron skeleton and a thin copper shell, this was one of the earliest examples of a curtain wall construction. This impression of the Roman goddess Libertas stands atop a pedestal which was the largest concrete pour ever undertaken. It was a gift from France designed by the sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, in honor of the centenary of the United States’ independence from Britain. The funds necessary to construct the statue were slowly raised and drew upon contributions from cities, fundraisers, lotteries, and donations from French and American citizens alike. A sentry of hope, she watches over Ellis Island as a welcoming symbol to those seeking a new world.

The Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly a beautiful symbol of the United States, and what we stand for as a country, but it is so fascinating that our most iconic symbol of freedom that stands outside of the “gateway to the USA” was a gift from France. In modern days we don’t see other countries give gifts of such a magnitude. The time, money and energy that went into building such an iconic structure was incredible, let alone to end up giving that to a foreign nation. Along with the gift from France, the social and international history behind the Statue of Liberty is one aspect of our nation's lady that we are looking forward to sharing during our presentation.

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