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

World's largest office building

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Among its many record-breaking achievements, America has one lesser-known record that also deserves attention.

Our country is home to the largest office building in the world. Want to know which one? The world's largest office building by floor area is the United States Department of Defense, also known as the Pentagon.

Ok, but how big is it? Located in Arlington, Virginia, and famous not only for its size but also for its distinctive five-sided design, the building has a total floor area of approximately 6.5 million square feet.

2

People in New York

Image: Nicolai Berntsen

We all know that New York City is packed with people. In fact, it's the most populous city in our country. But how many live there?

As of 2024, around 8.8 million people call NYC their home. That's a huge number on its own, but it might be even more impressive when you consider that NYC's population surpasses that of 40 US states, including Montana, New Hampshire, and Mississippi, to name a few. In other words, NYC has more residents than each of those 40 states individually.

After all, New York City is famously known as "the city that never sleeps" for a reason!

3

Many versions of the flag

Image: Chris Hardy

The US flag is one of our most beautiful and beloved symbols and also one of the most recognized worldwide. With its distinctive stripes, stars, and classic red, white, and blue colors, it is an unmistakable icon. But did you know it has undergone several changes over the years?

The US flag has not just had 1, 2, or 3 versions; in fact, there have been 27 official versions! Each of these versions served an important purpose, reflecting some key changes throughout our history. For example, whenever a new state joined the Union, an additional star was added. This is how we arrived at the 50 white stars you see in the upper left corner of our beautiful flag. The current version was made official on July 4, 1960.

4

No official language

Image: Ben Duchac

While English is the most widely spoken language in the United States, the country does not have an official language at the federal level.

This might surprise some people, given that English is the primary language for most Americans and is used for government and legal purposes.

On the other hand, many other languages are spoken here as well. For instance, Spanish is the second most spoken language, though it is used considerably less than English. And that's not all; Chinese, Filipino, and French also have a notable number of speakers in the US!

5

The fastest-speaking states

Image: Chris Liverani

We all have that friend who speaks so fast it's hard to keep up, even if you know them well. Would you like to know how fast Americans speak?

Fortunately, there's not just data on the languages we use but also on how quickly we speak in our daily lives. And it turns out that a few states lead the pack in this speed race.

According to the Smithsonian Institution, Oregon, Minnesota, and Massachusetts are the states where residents speak the fastest . So, if you know someone from those states, why not give it a try and see if you can keep up with their speedy conversations?

6

Most airports in the world

Image: Alex Underwood

Americans seem to love air travel, and there's a good reason for that: the US holds the record for the most airports in the world!

This isn't just a coincidence. The vast size of our territory— yes, we're one of the largest countries in the world—requires fast, safe, and efficient ways to travel to all corners.

With thousands of airports of all kinds spread across the country, it's no wonder that so many movies feature airport scenes or are even filmed inside airplanes, right?

7

Alaska's price

Image: Joris Beugels

We have the great advantage of having the gorgeous state of Alaska as one of the 50 states. Beyond its natural beauty, it holds another impressive distinction: it's the largest state by area, covering approximately 663,300 square miles.

As you may know, Alaska was purchased in 1867 when US Secretary of State William H. Seward sealed a deal with Russia to acquire the territory. However, what some people may not know is just how affordable it was: the purchase cost $7.2 million, which means we acquired Alaska for about 2 cents per acre! To put it in perspective, adjusted for inflation, that $7.2 million would be equivalent to about $140 million today.

8

The first national park in the world

Image: Nicolasintravel

The United States is home to some of the most spectacular and diverse national parks in the world. And not only that, but we also have the honor of being the country that established the world's very first national park.

Inaugurated on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the Earth's first national park. This event marked a turning point, leading to the creation of many other national parks and protected areas both in America and around the globe.

The incredible Yellowstone spans approximately 3,472 square miles , primarily in Wyoming, with portions extending into Montana and Idaho. Have you had the chance to visit it?

9

A special feature on Washington National Cathedral

Image: Ryan Arnst

The Washington National Cathedral offers many attractions for visitors, starting with its beautiful Gothic-style architecture. However, it also holds some secrets and fun facts within its walls.

Construction began in 1907 and took 83 years to complete. The wait was well worth it, as the Washington National Cathedral is now the sixth-largest in the world! And here's a fun fact: its famous Space Window features a real piece of moon rock at its center. Amazing!

Additionally, there's also a quirky feature that some visitors overlook: on the Cathedral's façade, there's a gargoyle with the face of none other than Darth Vader! This Star Wars character was added to the building's northwest tower in the 1980s after a children's design competition. A curious touch, isn't it?

10

Miles of bookshelves

Image: Roman Kraft

The Library of Congress is much more than a beautiful complex of buildings. Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this famous landmark was established over 200 years ago in 1800 . Since then, it has preserved and protected countless documents, treaties, and books that reflect and constitute our nation's history.

Adding to our list of world records, the Library of Congress holds the title of the largest library in the world. It boasts an incredible 164 million items, which translates to 838 miles of bookshelves. That's enough to cover the distance from Atlanta, GA, to New York City, NY!

1

Chili

From Nahuatl chīlli , referring to the hot pepper central to Mesoamerican cuisine.

Chili peppers shaped food traditions across the Americas. The word—and the plant—spread globally, influencing flavors from Asia to Europe.

2

Chocolate

"Chocolate" comes from the Nahuatl word xocolātl , used by the Aztecs for a bitter cacao drink.

Cacao was central to Mesoamerican culture, used in rituals, trade, and even as currency. Europeans adapted it—sweetening it and spreading it worldwide. Today, chocolate is a global industry worth billions.

3

Canoe

From the Carib kana:wa , "canoe" described small, lightweight boats used by Indigenous peoples across the Americas.

European explorers borrowed both the vessel and the word for river and coastal navigation. Today, "canoeing" is a popular recreational activity worldwide.

4

Hurricane

From the Taíno hurakán , meaning "god of the storm," the word was adopted by Spanish explorers.

Hurricanes shaped Caribbean history, influencing trade, settlement, and agriculture. English speakers retained the term, giving rise to a scientific and meteorological vocabulary.

5

Barbecue

From the Taíno barbacoa , describing a framework for slow-cooking meat over fire.

Barbacoa influenced American culinary traditions, evolving into the modern barbecue. The word traveled with colonists, preserving its Indigenous culinary roots.

6

Opossum

From the Powhatan apasum , meaning "white animal," early colonists mispronounced it as "opossum."

North American opossums became part of colonial diets and local ecosystems. The word also illustrates how Indigenous terms influenced wildlife terminology in English.

7

Pecan

From Algonquian pakan , meaning "nuts requiring a stone to crack."

Pecans were staple foods for Indigenous peoples, and European settlers adopted both the nut and its name. Today, pecans are central to American desserts like pies and pralines.

8

Squash

From Narragansett askutasquash , meaning "eaten raw or uncooked."

Squash was a foundational crop in the "Three Sisters" agricultural system alongside maize and beans. Europeans embraced the plant, retaining the Indigenous name.

9

Chipmunk

From Ojibwe ajidamoo , meaning "one who descends trees headfirst."

Colonists adapted both the word and the animal’s name, preserving the Ojibwe reference. Today, chipmunks are iconic North American wildlife.

10

Tomahawk

From Powhatan tamahak , describing a small axe used for hunting and combat.

European colonists adopted both the tool and the word, which became iconic in North American frontier history. Today, tomahawks are primarily ceremonial or sporting tools.

11

Coyote

From Nahuatl coyotl , describing a canid known for its adaptability and cunning.

Coyotes thrive in both urban and rural environments. The word entered English through Spanish, reflecting both biological and cultural observation.