Welding’s Role in Preserving the Statue of Liberty

In the 1980s, welding was a crucial part of the effort to restore the Statue of Liberty to her former glory. Over the years, the statue’s internal iron framework, designed by Gustave Eiffel, had corroded, and the copper skin had deteriorated. During the restoration, welders replaced much of the corroded iron with stainless steel and used welding to bond new support structures and restore the statue’s integrity without altering its iconic appearance.

The Restoration Process

• Welding the Iron to Stainless Steel: One of the biggest challenges was replacing the iron bars that connected the copper skin to the internal structure. Welders had to carefully join stainless steel to the old iron, ensuring long-lasting durability while maintaining the original design.

• Torch Restoration: The Statue’s original torch had deteriorated beyond repair, so welders and fabricators crafted a new torch using copper and gold, welded together for strength and accuracy to the original.

• Reinforcing the Structure: Welders added new structural elements to support the massive statue, ensuring it could withstand weather and time for decades to come.