Americans, please tell me
By Adrenochrome
@Adrenochrome (1653)
June 4, 2009 5:48am CST
Hello America.
Whilst this posting is open to all, I am particularly interested in hearing from my American readers. This information is for a class that I shall be teaching during the summer. The class is about Semiotics, Symbolism and Society. It is a simple question, but I need as much feedback as possible.
From 1770 till 1920, many people from across the globe migrated to the USA. For many, they first stepped upon American soil at Ellis Island. They travelled from famine ridden Europe and from Asia, by ship.
What historic sight was the first glimpse of the USA that greeted the eyes of these travellers? What was the first MAN-MADE object that they would see?
2 responses
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
4 Jun 09
It was the Statue of Liberty. Here is a link which can give you a lot of historical facts which you may find useful for your class:
http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/liberty/libertyfacts.htm
@mikedotcom (260)
• United States
5 Jun 09
My Irish ancestors, who landed here in 1792, did not see the statue of Liberty...
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
5 Jun 09
Not surprising it was not there. The Official accepting Statue on behalf of US:
President Grover Cleveland
Date of Acceptance by President: October 28, 1886
@Adrenochrome (1653)
•
5 Jun 09
Thanks whiteh,
the link is great - I love esoteric information and any form of pointless but interesting detail. I enjoy doing pub quizzes and knowing the length of the statues big toe nail is just the sort of thing that might get asked. Superb details - I've bookmarked the page.
I'm hoping to gather a statistical summary of the US publics opinion on the question. A certain comment about people arriving at Ellis Island is often mentioned on British tv, particularly when discussing Irish migration following the potato famine. I was hoping to see whether the same idea is commonly spoken of within the USA, not just by the British media.
I know this may sound a little bizarre and confusing, but I am trying hard not to give the answer (which MAY have already been mentioned in the two responses, or may not!) to the question, as that might influence other respondents.
It is perfectly fine for people to re-iterate previous answers here, as it is a statistical survey, not a search for the answer (of which I already know the answer).
Thanks again whiteheather and Mike.
@mikedotcom (260)
• United States
4 Jun 09
After 1886, it was probably the Statue of Liberty...before that I would guess the Manhattan skyline. Both are awesome sights!
@Adrenochrome (1653)
•
4 Jun 09
Thanks mike, especially for reminding me of the date that the Statue of Liberty was erected.
