Statue of liberty can you go up to the torch

Not just for her symbolism but for how accomplished the structure was for the time period. This post will tell you exactly why the torch is so important and how you can see both the original and current torch up close!

The original torch of Lady Liberty was held by her hand until However, this request was overruled due to the fear of passerby pilots being blinded.

Bartholdi decided to cut portholes in the flame and placed the lights inside. They claimed that sailors would be able to see the statue miles out at sea and decided to utilize her as a lighthouse, promising to install better equipment. This proved to be unsuccessful and too costly. Finally, President Roosevelt decided to transfer control to the War Department.

Instead of copper and gold leaf, it was decided that the flame would be made up of multiple panes of glass and inside a series of bright light bulbs that would shine out from within. Gutzon Borglum, designer of Mount Rushmore, was the sculptor in charge of the new design. He said the isolation of the island, along with the decreased influx of immigrants to nearby Ellis Island at the time — other countries were deterring their citizens from leaving and escaping the draft — lowered the casualty count.

It also meant fewer people would remember what happened at Black Tom. Most people had never heard of that island, they don't even know where it is. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Site Navigation Site Mobile Navigation.

Phelps said. The torch stands more than 16 feet tall and weighs 3, pounds. The Statue of Liberty in Paris being assembled in The torch and part of the arm of the Statue of Liberty, on display at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Centennial Photographic Company, via Library of Congress. In preparation for the removing of the torch in , individual panes of glass are taped so they won't fall out of place. The torch was lowered during repairs in Park guests viewed the original Statue of Liberty torch before it is moved.

Construction workers work at the new Statue of Liberty Museum. Written by Helene Stapinski. More Augmented Reality features. The new torch is made of unbroken copper that is covered in karat gold leaf. NPS staff still climb a narrow foot ladder to maintain the 16 floodlights that light the torch. You also can get a close-up view of the original torch inside the pedestal lobby. While not as high up and as shiny as the torch, visitors can visit the crown if they make a reservation in advance at statuecruises.

A plaque commemorating the explosion sits on its site inside a circle of American flags.