This children’s article, The Statue of Liberty: A giant green welcome to America, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about one of the world’s most famous monuments, and understand why it’s such an important symbol of freedom. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A giant gift from France
Over 130 years ago, back in 1885, France gave a very special gift to the United States: a giant statue! It was meant to celebrate America’s 100 years of independence and the friendship between the two countries.
The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with the metal structure inside created by Gustave Eiffel, yes, the same man who built the Eiffel Tower!
A statue in pieces
The Statue of Liberty wasn’t built in New York right away. It was first made in pieces in France, then packed into more than 200 crates and shipped across the Atlantic Ocean.
Once it arrived, American workers carefully rebuilt it, like a massive LEGO set, on Liberty Island in New York Harbour. It was finally completed and opened in 1886.
From shiny copper to sea green
When Lady Liberty was first built, she wasn’t green; she was a shiny copper colour, just like a penny! But over time, the wind, rain, and salty sea air caused the copper to react and form a green layer called “patina.” This green colour actually protects the metal underneath, so it’s now part of her iconic look.
In the 1980s, she needed some repairs. Her torch was replaced, and parts of the structure were strengthened, making sure she would stand tall for many more years.
A symbol of freedom
The Statue of Liberty is much more than a statue. She holds a torch high in one hand and a tablet in the other that shows the date of American independence: The 4th of July, 1776. At her feet are broken chains, symbolising freedom from oppression.
For many years, she was the first thing immigrants saw as they sailed into New York, hoping to start a new life in the United States. She still stands today as a symbol of liberty, hope, and new beginnings.
Over 4 million people visit the Statue of Liberty each year. You can climb up 377 steps inside her body and look out through her crown over the New York skyline.
Article vocabulary list
- Independence – freedom from being ruled by another country or group
- Sculptor – a person who makes statues
- Crates – big boxes used for shipping things
- Copper – a reddish-brown metal used in coins and wires
- React – to change when something happens, like when metal touches air or water
- Patina – the green layer that forms on copper over time
- Oppression – unfair or cruel treatment by people in power
- Symbol – something that represents an idea or feeling
- Immigrants – people who move to a new country to live there
- Crown – the top of her head, shaped like a royal crown
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Who gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States?
A) Britain
B) France
C) Canada
Answer: B) France
2. What colour was the statue when it was first built?
A) Gold
B) Green
C) Copper
Answer: C) Copper
3. What happened to the statue in the 1980s?
A) It was moved to another city
B) It was painted silver
C) It was repaired
Answer: C) It was repaired
4. Why do people say the statue was like a LEGO set?
A) It was built by children
B) It came in colourful pieces
C) It was sent in parts and rebuilt
Answer: C) It was sent in parts and rebuilt
5. What did immigrants see when arriving in New York?
A) The Empire State Building
B) The Statue of Liberty
C) The White House
Answer: B) The Statue of Liberty
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
