The Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable monuments in the world and stands as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and hope for people all over the globe. To many, it is also a beacon of desire, a reminder that chance and possibility still exists, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. But for all of its power and majesty, comparatively few know the story of how it came to be standing in New York harbor.
From its conception by French intellectuals in the mid-19th century to its eventual adoption by the American public, The Statue of Liberty is an awe-inspiring work of art with a rich history. Here, we look at its beginnings, purpose, and legacy.
The Ideology Behind The Statue Of Liberty
The concept for the Statue of Liberty began in 1865, when French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi visited the United States. Inspired by the Civil War, he dreamed of a monument that could be perceived as a symbol of freedom that people could look up to. To that end, he conceived of a “liberty enlightening the world” – a statue of a woman, draped in a robe and a crown topped with seven points to represent a halo.
Bartholdi and his supporters believed that a magnificent structure like this could not only bring nations together, but that it could ultimately help exemplify the principles of universal brotherhood and cosmopolitanism. His libertarian and humanist ideals, however, needed a patron to make the dream a reality.
The Birth Of The Statue Of Liberty
In 1876, the Franco-American Union (FAU) was formed to help bring about the creation of the Statue of Liberty. Its mission was to raise enough funds to have it built, though the task was no small feat as the share needed for France to build it was calculated to be about 250,000 francs.
The union was able to collect the funds within months from both private donors and the French public, and the work on the project began in August of 1884. After a period of roughly nine months and much public adulation, the project was completed in July of 1885.
The Inauguration Of The Statue Of Liberty
The Patron of the French project, Edouard de Laboulaye, officially inaugurated the Statue of Liberty in a special ceremony held at the base of the monument in October of 1886. During the ceremony, President Marie Francois Sadi Carnot I delivered a speech that included the following:
“God himself has willed it that all who, from the four corners of the world, look upon this work of beauty and of genius, shall feel the inspiration of affection, of charity, and of peace.”
A Gift From France To America
To honor the centennial of the Declaration of Independence, the French Republic presented the completed Statue of Liberty to the United States of America. As a sign of appreciation, the US Congress officially accepted the statue on July 4, 1884 and created the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World Monument.
The Installation Of The Statue Of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was shipped to the US in crates aboard the French frigate, Isère and arrived in New York City on June 17th, 1885. It was then taken to Bedloe’s Island (now named Liberty Island) and began installation.
On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in a ceremony attended by President Grover Cleveland and over one million spectators. Of course, the big reveal didn’t go without a few hiccups. Just moments before the official unveiling ceremony was to start, lightning struck the base of the structure, causing workers to reel in panic. But despite the freak accident, the ceremony proceeded as planned and the Statue of Liberty was officially revealed.
The Statue Of Liberty Up Close
The Statue of Liberty stands a majestic 305 feet (93 meters) tall with a sturdy foundation that stands upon an island in the New York Harbor – Liberty Island. It is supported by a ten-story fort-like pedestal, made of brick encased in concrete and stone. Within the statue itself are several structures, including a stairway, elevator, and ventilation systems that allow visitors to ascend to the pedestrian walkway that circles the crown of the structure.
Outside, the statue is robed in a seamless structure of thin sheets of pure copper that has been given a tarnished greenish hue through a chemical weathering process. The statue’s right arm holds a torch up high, while her left arm is outstretched, proudly carrying a tablet inscribed with the date of US independence. On the tablet is inscribed a message, written by the famous poet, Emma Lazarus:
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.”
The Statue of Liberty Through The Ages
Since its inauguration, the Statue of Liberty has become a will-known symbol of freedom and democracy. It has been featured in countless works of art, literature, and the media, and it continues to be a place of pilgrimage for those in search of freedom and opportunity.
In 1924, the Statue of Liberty was designated a National Monument and placed under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Over the years, it has undergone ongoing repairs and upgrades to make it more accessible to visitors including the installation of an elevator and an observation tower.
Today, the Statue of Liberty is as vibrant and relevant as it ever was, continuing to stand as a symbol of freedom, hope, and democracy that resonates around the world.
The Statue of Liberty is a powerful symbol of the Declaration of Independence and the principles that it stands for: the right to freedom of choice, the right to pursue happiness, and the right for everybody to live in a democracy. Not only does it remind us of our history, but it also serves as a reminder that regardless of our background, beliefs, or nationality, we are all united in the pursuit of freedom and opportunity. The Statue of Liberty stands as an enduring emblem of what it means to be living in the United States of America – and for those coming to its shores, the statue is a true symbol of hope, courage and strength.
