1

Her Real Name

Image: Gautam Krishnan

You might have always known it as the Statue of Liberty, and you wouldn’t be wrong. After all, that is, in fact, her name. However, that is not her only name.

Her official name is "La Liberté éclairant le monde", which is French for "Liberty Englightning the World."

The meaning is clear and it was a name given by its designers and builders. The nickname "Statue of Liberty" has become widely and universally popular, but the full title highlights the deeper meaning and global significance of this monument.

2

The Tallest Structure of America

Image: Annie Spratt

Back in 1886, after the statue was finally completed, it didn’t just become a symbol of democracy, it was an engineering marvel that claimed the title of tallest structure in the United States. Standing at an impressive 151 feet, 1 inch tall, Lady Liberty dominated the skyline.

If you’ve never been able to fully grasp how tall it is, imagine a 15-story building. Now, add the pedestal and you’ll get the towering presence it embodies in New York today.

How was this possible? Thanks to the innovative use of iron framework and copper sheathing and the brains of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel. Yes, you got the latter right, and here comes our third fact.

3

It was designed by Gustave Eiffel

Image: Dmitrii Eliuseev

The genius behind the Statue of Liberty is the same behind the Eiffel Tower, in Paris. Talk about a creative mind, huh?

Eiffel designed the statue’s "spine" , an internal framework that supports the entire structure. Inside the statue, four massive iron columns form the backbone, holding up the intricate metal frame that supports the thin copper skin. This innovative design not only provided the necessary stability for the statue but also allowed it to withstand strong winds and harsh weather conditions.

Naturally, Eiffel’s expertise in structural engineering was pivotal in bringing Lady Liberty to life, ensuring she would stand tall for centuries to come.

4

Red or Green? Actually, Both

Image: Oleg Chursin

When the Statue of Liberty was unveiled**, it wasn’t the green-blue color we know and love today**. Instead, it gleamed with a shiny reddish-brown hue, much like a newly American penny. Made entirely of copper, the statue initially dazzled spectators with its vibrant metallic sheen.

Then, over the course of the next two decades, Lady Liberty underwent a dramatic transformation. The Statue gradually turned green as the copper oxidized and formed a protective layer known as patina . Considering this is the natural weathering process of copper, this was hardly a surprise, but the visual change was nonetheless striking. The patina not only gives the statue its iconic color, it also works as a protective coat from further corrosion.

5

Motherly Inspiration

Image: Tory Bishop

The Statue, designed also by the French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, carries a touching personal tribute within its grand design. Bartholdi modeled the face of Lady Liberty after his mother, Charlotte.

This heartfelt gesture essentially makes the Statue of Liberty one of the most monumental Mother’s Day gifts ever. By immortalizing his mother’s likeness in such an iconic figure, Bartholdi not only honored her but also ensured that her image would forever be associated with the ideals of freedom and hope. Can you top that?

6

One-way Ticket to America

Image: ALEJANDRO POHLENZ

We all know this American landmark was a gift from the French to the Americans, right? Now, the gift took over a year to get where it is today.

The Statue was completed and presented to the U.S. ambassador in France on July 4th, 1884. But it didn’t get to America until a year later, in 1885. It was then disassembled into 300 pieces, carefully packed into 214 crates, and shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to be put together again.

The voyage took a week longer than expected, and the vessel carrying the one-ton statue nearly sank during a fierce storm. Despite the challenges, Lady Liberty safely arrived in New York, where it was reassembled and unveiled to the public, marking the beginning of its iconic presence in American history.

7

The Lady’s Tablet

Image: Koushalya Karthikeyan

One of the most distinctive features of the Statue of Liberty is the tablet she holds in her left hand. This tablet is not just a symbolic object, it carries a significant inscription that connects the statue to the core of American history . Crafted from copper, the tablet bears the inscription "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI," the Roman version of July 4, 1776.

This is of course the date that marks the adoption of the American Declaration of Independence, so the inscription serves as a constant reminder of the nation’s fight for independence and the values of democracy.

Is there a reason this is a tablet? Yes, it symbolizes the lay and the founding principles.

8

Changes in the Torch

Image: Mateus Maia

The Statue of Liberty wasn’t only a symbolic figure, in the beginning, it also served a practical purpose: It was a lighthouse. This was its original intent. Off to a rocky start, and considering how new the electrical systems were, the lighthouse only became operational by the end of 1886.

Between 1886 and 1901, the torch would guide ships safely into New York Harbor. However, the lighthouse function was short-lived as it was deemed "useless for navigation purposes." Despite the noble intentions behind the initiative, control of the Lighthouse was given to the War Board, and, by 1902, the Lighthouse became extinguished.

Today, the torch is nothing less than a 24K gold flame standing tall and iconic.

9

Seven Spikes

Image: Erik Lindgren

Have you ever noticed the crown? Of course, you have, but have you ever considered that the seven spikes were intentional ? Not a single thing in the design of the Statue of Liberty was random.

These seven spikes have a profound meaning: they represent the seven seas in the world. Now, even if this was a gift to America for its independence, the Statue represents universal freedom. Therefore, the welcoming aura of the crown and the seven spikes stand for a global search for liberty, freedom, and equality.

10

One Step in the Path of Freedom

Image: A n v e s h

If you pay close attention to the Lady’s feet, you will notice that her right foot is raised. Now, if we could lift the dress just a tad, we would notice that she walks among broken shackles and chains.

This powerful imagery symbolizes the statue’s message of moving forward from oppression and toward freedom. The broken chains also represent the end of servitude, highlighting the statue’s role as a beacon of hope for those seeking a new beginning. She is not standing still, she is taking a step forward, always in a continuous journey. Quite a picture to welcome the visitors, right?

1

Blue jay

Image: Mark Olsen

The blue jay is a beautiful bird with –as its name suggests– striking blue plumage. It also has white feather details and a sort of black "collar" on its neck. But it is not just a pretty face; it also has wonderful abilities.

Blue jays are excellent mimics . They can imitate the calls of other birds, especially hawks, in order to frighten and scare away predators. Nature is wise!

In addition, these birds that live in family groups have a great memory . Blue jays have been seen storing nuts far from where they originally found them and then returning to those locations later without much effort.

2

Bald eagle

Image: Mathew Schwartz

As one of America's most iconic symbols, the bald eagle makes an imposing impression just with its presence. It is one of the largest birds in the world, with a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet and weighing between 3 and 6.5 pounds.

One of its most outstanding traits is its vision , considered by many experts to be 4 to 5 times sharper than human eyesight. This bird has such precise vision that it can spot its prey from several miles away while flying!

In addition to that, its hunting skills are exceptional. Bald eagles rarely fail to catch a snack, thanks to their large and powerful talons. Their prey can be quite large, as their grip strength can reach 400 pounds per square inch.

3

Pronghorn antelope

Image: David Thielen

Despite its common name, the pronghorn is not an antelope. In fact, it belongs to another family called Antilocapridae , exclusive to North America. Yes, they only exist here!

Pronghorns have several characteristics that make them unique, including their iconic horns . First off, pronghorns shed their horns every year (because who doesn't want to renew their outfit?). And, unlike many other species, it's not just the males that have horns; the females do too.

But here's its best feature: the pronghorn is nothing less than the fastest land animal in America, capable of reaching speeds of over 50 mph. And that's not all; this animal can sustain its speed for very long distances. A true runner!

4

American alligator

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

The American alligator can measure between 13 and 15 feet long and weigh more than 900 pounds, making it one of the largest reptiles in the USA.

But its size is not the only thing that impresses. The American alligator, which inhabits the southeastern United States, has one of the fiercest and most powerful bites in the entire animal kingdom, reaching 2,980 pounds of pressure per square inch. Just picture that destructive power!

Biting so hard must have negative consequences for the teeth, right? True. But this is not a problem for the American alligator, as this reptile has the ability to regenerate its lost teeth more than 50 times in its lifetime!

5

Barn owl

Image: Bob Brewer

The barn owl is one of the several owl species found in America. Its most characteristic feature is its heart-shaped face. This distinctive quality is not only cute, but it also serves a purpose: it directs sound into the bird's ear cavities. The barn owl has exceptional hearing , allowing it to detect the smallest prey in the dark.

On the other hand, one of the most striking features of owls is their ability to rotate their heads about 180 degrees and, in some cases, even more. If you found The Exorcist disturbing, you don't want to watch videos of owls rotating their heads!

6

Wood frog

Image: Richie Bettencourt

The wood frog is a small amphibian native to the northeastern states, famous for the dark markings around its eyes. These markings are like a mask that extends, much like when someone's makeup smudges.

But this frog's appearance is not the only thing that distinguishes it. It also has an incredible skill: the ability to withstand freezing temperatures. And that's not all; during the winter, their bodies can actually freeze solid and then thaw out in the spring without sustaining serious damage. Amazing!

Although it is not Captain America, this ability allows the wood frog to adapt very well to temperatures as low as -10°F for several weeks.

7

Flying squirrel

Image: Saori Oya

Have you ever dreamed of flying through the sky like a superhero? Who wouldn't want that? There is a squirrel that has this advantage, which is why it is commonly called the flying squirrel.

Despite its funny name, the flying squirrel doesn't actually fly but glides through the trees. Even so, watching this small mammal deploy a membrane between its limbs to glide with great precision from the heights is impressive. In addition, they can perfectly regulate speed and direction during their ride through the air.

Have you ever seen one of these creatures?

8

Gila monster

Image: David Clode

There is only one venomous lizard in the U.S., and that title goes to the great Gila monster.

This lizard, naturally found in the southwestern regions of our country, has unique abilities that set it apart from other animals. The "monster" in its name is no coincidence: this lizard has a fearsome bite , capable of injecting painful venom. The Gila monster's venom is delivered through grooves in its teeth, something extremely rare for a lizard.

And there's more. This animal can go several months without eating! This is due to its slow metabolism , which allows it to survive even when food is scarce.

9

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

Image: Leah Storme

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is one of the largest rattlesnakes that inhabit our country, reaching 6 feet in length and weighing around 10 pounds. Its characteristic diamond-shaped pattern on its back is what gives it its iconic name.

Besides having one of the most potent venoms among rattlesnakes, this snake has another important advantage. The diamondback rattlesnake has thermo-detecting pits. But what is that? They are tiny orifices located between its eyes and nose, which allow it to detect the temperature of its warm-blooded prey even in the deepest darkness.

10

American beaver

Image: Tim Umphreys

Beavers are amazing animals. These rodents that inhabit freshwater environments are like the architects of the animal world. They have impressive building skills, with dams being their primary type of construction.

The dams that beavers build with sticks, logs, stones, mud, and other materials from nature are designed to protect their community and lodges. Beavers' lodges are perfectly engineered, featuring underwater entrances that keep them isolated and safe, just like a natural bunker!

They are also excellent swimmers . They have an affinity for water and use it in very creative ways. For example, they slap their flat tails against the water's surface to alert their families when danger is near.

1

The Museum of Bad Art (Massachusetts)

Founded in 1994, MOBA showcases art "too bad to be ignored," featuring paintings so spectacularly awful they circle back to being captivating . We're talking off-kilter portraits, baffling subject matter, and techniques that defy explanation.

The collection includes masterpieces like "Lucy in the Field with Flowers," featuring a grandmother dancing in a meadow while wearing what might be a nightgown. Each piece comes with a tongue-in-cheek description that treats these disasters with the same reverence the Met gives to Rembrandts.

2

The International Banana Museum (California)

This museum holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of banana-related items . With over 25,000 banana things crammed into one yellow-painted space, it's exactly as bonkers as it sounds. Banana phones, banana lamps, banana art—if you can slap a banana on it, it's here.

The museum's motto is "Yes, we have no bananas... we have more!" which pretty much sums up the gloriously ridiculous vibe.

3

The Museum of Broken Relationships (California)

This surprisingly poignant museum displays donated objects from failed romances , each accompanied by a brief story from the heartbroken donor. Started in Croatia and once home to an outpost in Los Angeles (before it closed in 2017), it transforms personal pain into a shared human experience. You'll find everything from wedding dresses to an actual prosthetic leg, each item representing a relationship that didn't quite make it.

What could be depressing is actually oddly uplifting: there's humor, anger, relief, and occasionally shocking pettiness on display. One exhibit features an axe someone used to destroy their ex's furniture.

4

The International Cryptozoology Museum (Maine)

This Portland museum is dedicated to creatures that may or may not exist , from Sasquatch and the Loch Ness Monster to the Chupacabra. Founded by cryptozoologist Loren Coleman, it houses hair samples, plaster casts of mysterious footprints, and endless speculation about what's lurking in our forests and lakes.

5

The Mustard Museum (Wisconsin)

Wisconsin's National Mustard Museum celebrates that yellow squeeze-bottle staple with 6,000+ varieties of mustard from all 50 states and over 70 countries . Curator Barry Levenson started collecting after his beloved Boston Red Sox lost the World Series in 1986, and a voice in a grocery store told him to pursue mustard instead. As one does.

The museum offers free tastings because, apparently, there's a whole world of mustard beyond French's that many of us have been missing. From champagne mustard to chocolate mustard to varieties with names you can't pronounce, it's a full-on condiment education.

6

The Museum of Clean (Idaho)

Spanning 75,000 square feet, it chronicles the history of cleaning from ancient times to modern day . It features vintage vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and cleaning products that would horrify today's safety inspectors.

The museum makes a compelling case that cleaning technology has shaped civilization more than we realize. You'll see how our ancestors scrubbed, swept, and sanitized before electricity, and gain a weird appreciation for your Swiffer.

7

The Mutter Museum (Pennsylvania)

This Philadelphia institution houses medical oddities, anatomical specimens, and antique medical equipment that can look more like torture devices. Think preserved organs, skeletal anomalies, and a wall of skulls that's both educational and nightmare-inducing.

The museum's most famous resident is the "Soap Lady," whose body turned into a soap-like substance after burial. There is also a sample of Albert Einstein’s brain tissue on display, because why not?

8

The American Toby Jug Museum (Illinois)

Toby jugs are those quirky ceramic pitchers shaped like people's heads and bodies, usually depicting jolly characters in tricorn hats. This Evanston museum houses over 8,000 of them, representing the world's largest collection of these peculiar drinking vessels .

The collection spans centuries and includes rare jugs worth thousands of dollars alongside kitschy modern versions. You'll learn that Toby jugs have depicted everyone from Winston Churchill and Sherlock Holmes to characters from literature and politics.

9

The Spam Museum (Minnesota)

This 14,000-square-foot museum in Austin, Minnesota, celebrates the canned pork product that fed armies and annoyed email users everywhere . Interactive exhibits let you pretend to work on the Spam production line, and you'll learn more about processed meat than you thought possible.

10

The International UFO Museum and Research Center (New Mexico)

Located in Roswell, the site of the most famous alleged UFO crash in history, this museum is ground zero for alien conspiracy theories. Founded by people who claim firsthand knowledge of the 1947 incident, it presents eyewitness accounts, declassified government documents, and enough speculation to keep you wondering all night .

Beyond Roswell, the museum explores UFO sightings worldwide, alien abduction stories, and government cover-up theories that range from plausible to completely bonkers.