What Does the Statue of Liberty Torch Stand for?

The Torch that now rests in the right hand of the Statue of Liberty is not the original. The statue was a lighthouse and served the purpose of guiding incoming ships into the harbors and ports surrounding New York City. The torch has its own energy plant and now contains metal halide lamps with a voltage of 250 watts each. The original 1886 torch is now on display in the lobby museum of the monument.

Meanings

The Statue is seen as a symbolic gesture, representing liberty and friendship to foreign nations holding like beliefs. The true meaning of the torch is now hidden in the folds of history and rests with the mind of its architect, Frederic Bartholdi.

Too Many Variations

Originally made of copper, it is said that the meaning of the torch was lost over time because of too many changes made during numerous repairs and renovations. In 1986, it was changed back to copper and plated over with gold to help preserve it.

Romantic Notions

The poem of the statue, written by Emma Lazarus in 1883, begins with a referral to the Colossus of Rhodes and ends with the words, "Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

The Torch

It is representative of the "god of light," and is said to be more welcoming than conquering as it is held up by the lady also known as Liberty Enlightening the World or the Mother of Exiles.

Fun Fact

America, once a nation of immigrants, now has the fastest growing legal system meant to keep as many immigrants as possible out of the country.

Resources

• All About the Statue of Liberty