Unveiling the Secrets of the Statue of Liberty's History

The Origins: A Gift from France

In 1865, French historian Édouard de Laboulaye proposed the idea of a monument to commemorate the friendship between France and the United States. This gesture was meant as a symbol of solidarity and freedom, as both countries shared a common goal of fighting against slavery and promoting democracy.

The project gained momentum when sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi joined forces with Laboulaye. They envisioned a colossal statue of Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, to be placed in New York Harbor. This iconic figure would serve as a beacon for immigrants seeking refuge in America.

The Construction: A Monumental Task

Construction began in 1875 at the Gaget, Gardoux & Cie workshop in Paris. The statue's framework was built by Gustave Eiffel, who would later become famous for designing the iconic Eiffel Tower.

The copper sheets that would eventually cover the statue were donated by American industrialist J.P. Morgan and his wife, Annie. This generous contribution allowed the project to move forward, despite initial financial struggles.

The Dedication: A Symbol of Hope

On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland officially dedicated the Statue of Liberty. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from both France and the United States.

As the statue's torch was lit for the first time, it became a beacon of hope for millions of immigrants who had passed through Ellis Island on their journey to America.