Liberty Island in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Inside the Statue
Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi chose to build the Statue of Liberty out of copper – a lightweight metal – critical for such a large work. In order to fashion the metal, the sculptor had to first make full size sections of the Statue out of plaster. For each section, carpenters built a wooden form that duplicated the plaster shape. Thin copper sheets were placed on the backside of these forms and then hammered into shape by artisans, a technique called Repoussé.
The Statue’s immense size required a revolutionary support system, so Bartholdi called upon engineer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. Central to Eiffel’s design was a framework of four wrought-iron columns to which was attached a vast interior strapwork – made up of armature bars, steel brackets known as saddles, and rivets – that support the Statue’s copper “skin.” His innovative support system resembles the famous tower in Paris which bears his name.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music.
Location. 40° 41.393′ N, 74° 2.789′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is on Liberty Island. Marker is located on Liberty Island, near the food concession area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10004, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Symbolism (here, next to this marker); Statue Facts (here, next to this marker); “Mother of Exiles” (a few steps from this marker); Emma Lazarus (a few steps from this marker); “The New Colossus” (a few steps from this marker); Bartholdi (a few steps from this marker); The New Colossus (a few steps from this marker); New York Sculptures (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
More about this marker. The marker features a photo of the interior of the Statue and of Bartholdi with the Statue’s wooden forms. Also present is a schematic of the internal structure of the Statue.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 446 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 8, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.