单选题
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a 225-ton steel reinforced copper female figure, 151-foot tall, which faces the ocean from Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The right hand holds a torch aloft, while the left hand carries a tablet. The Statue of Liberty is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the United States and attracts millions of visitors annually.
It is often erroneously assumed that the United States built and erected the monument. In fact, it was designed by a Frenchman, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi of Alsace. 1) The statue was presented to the United States by France in memory of the alliance between the two countries at the time of the American Revolution as well as a token of their continued friendship. The French people contributed the $250,000 towards the cost of the statue and presented it as a gift to the United States.
While an American did not create Lady Liberty, the 154-foot pedestal supporting it was designed by Richard M. Hunt and built by Charles P. Stone, both of whom were Americans. 2) The pedestal contains steel underpinnings, which were designed by Alexander Eiffel of France, who was also the creator of Paris" famed Eiffel Tower. The pedestal cost $270,000, which was borne by contributions of various American associations, groups and individuals. The Statue and pedestal were accepted on behalf of the United States by President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886.
In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon dedicated the American Museum of Immigration, which is housed at the base of the statue. A major restoration of the statue was undertaken in 1984, and the torch was extinguished on July 4. It was rent with great ceremony two years later to mark the centennial of the statue. 3) Recently, there has been controversy surrounding the statue as the state of New Jersey has argued that the statue actually falls within its boundaries rather than those of neighboring New York State.
The Statue of Liberty has become a symbol for immigrants to the United States. Correspondence dating from the late 19th century mentions Lady Liberty as the gateway to American freedom. This is due to the fact that the statue was easily spotted by the immigrants who crowded the ships that took them to a new land. 4) Many of them confess that it was the picture of the statue featured on leaflets that had inspired them to move to America in the first place.
Upon arrival, immigrants would be directed towards Ellis Island, where the Statue of Liberty stood in all its majesty. Ellis Island was the first checkpoint for moving into America. This is where customs was made and newly arrived immigrants checked for any health issues. Today, the Ellis Island customs point at the bottom of the Statue of Liberty is a popular tourist attraction.
Glossary
tablet:
a slab of stone or wood suitable for bearing an inscription
American Revolution:
the war between the American colonies and Great Britain (1775～ 1783), leading to the formation of the independent United States
underpinnings:
a support or foundation
extinguish:
put out, as of fires, flames, or lights