5. The Original Statue of Liberty Torch Wasn’t Lighted

Photo from New York Public Library.The completed torch in a Paris studio

As you can see in the original photographs of the torch, it was originally of solid copper as Bartholdi designed. The quest to light the torch has been a constant question nearly the length of its existence. Bartholdi originally wanted torchlights in the balcony, a move vetoed by the Army Corps of Engineers fearing interference with navigation. Bartholdi then cut portholes in the torch, but on opening day, The New York World described it it as “more like a glowworm than a beacon.” Bartholdi then wanted to gild the torch in gold but it was too expensive.