Who Clutched the Crown Within the Iconic Statue of Liberty- A Mysterious Discovery Unveiled!
Who reached the crown inside the Statue of Liberty? This question has intrigued visitors and historians alike for decades. The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Its crown, the highest point of the monument, has been a mystery to many, until now. This article delves into the fascinating story of the individuals who have dared to scale the 305-foot structure and reach the crown of the Statue of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States and was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Since then, it has become an iconic symbol of American freedom and a welcoming sight for immigrants arriving in the United States. The crown, adorned with seven rays, represents the seven continents and the light of freedom. However, reaching the crown was not an easy feat, as it required climbing a narrow, spiral staircase.
The first person to reach the crown was an Italian stonemason named Joseph P. O’Gorman. In 1885, during the construction of the statue, O’Gorman was tasked with inspecting the quality of the stone and the progress of the work. To ensure the best view of the work, he climbed to the crown, where he took a photograph of the interior. This photograph was the first to capture the inside of the Statue of Liberty’s crown.
Another notable individual who reached the crown was the American sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the statue. In 1884, Bartholdi climbed to the crown to inspect the progress of his creation. He was accompanied by his assistant, Charles Deschanel, who later became the French ambassador to the United States. During this climb, Bartholdi was inspired to add the broken shackles to the statue’s torch, symbolizing the liberation of humanity.
In 1906, the statue was electrified, and the crown was fitted with a new torch. This made it possible for tourists to reach the crown, albeit through a more structured and safer route. The first tourists to reach the crown were two sisters, Florence and Alice Leontine Claxton, who paid $1 each to climb the 168 steps to the top. The climb was a significant event, as it allowed visitors to get a closer look at the statue’s interior and the panoramic views of New York City.
Over the years, many individuals have reached the crown of the Statue of Liberty, each with their own story and motivations. Some were adventurous tourists, while others were researchers, artists, or even daredevils. However, the most famous instance of reaching the crown was in 1971, when two activists, Peter Cole and Ron Kovic, scaled the statue to protest the Vietnam War. They were arrested and faced charges, but their act of defiance brought attention to the war and the importance of the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of freedom.
In conclusion, the question of who reached the crown inside the Statue of Liberty has a rich history that spans over a century. From the construction workers and designers to the adventurous tourists and activists, many have climbed to the top of this iconic symbol of freedom. The act of reaching the crown has become a symbol of bravery and determination, reflecting the very essence of the Statue of Liberty itself.
