Statue of Liberty's Enlightening Lightning Rod

Nobody puts lightning in a corner, but someone thought putting it on the Statue of Liberty was a great idea. And they were right!

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and it's hard to imagine it without its torch. But did you know that the torch was actually added later? And that it was originally supposed to hold a flame?

In 1876, when the statue was designed, it was supposed to be called "Liberty Enlightening the World." And it was supposed to hold a torch with a flame in her hand. But the flame was never built. Why? Because it was too dangerous.

In those days, flames were lit with gas. And gas is flammable. If the flame had been lit, it could have easily spread to the rest of the statue and burned it down.

So instead of a flame, the statue was given a torch with a lightning rod inside. And it's a good thing they did, because the statue has been struck by lightning more than 200 times since it was built!

The lightning rod protects the statue by attracting lightning and directing it to the ground. This prevents the lightning from damaging the statue or injuring anyone inside.

The lightning rod is just one of the many fascinating things about the Statue of Liberty. It's a symbol of freedom and democracy, and it's also a reminder of the importance of safety.

So next time you see the Statue of Liberty, take a moment to appreciate the lightning rod. It's not just a decoration—it's a vital part of keeping the statue safe.

Fun fact: The lightning rod on the Statue of Liberty is made of copper. Copper is a good conductor of electricity, which is why it's used in electrical wiring.

Another fun fact: The Statue of Liberty is the tallest statue in the United States. It stands 305 feet tall, from the base to the top of the torch.

Call to action: Next time you're in New York City, be sure to visit the Statue of Liberty. It's an amazing sight, and it's a reminder of the importance of freedom and democracy.