A gift of freedom from France
On June 17, 1885, the New York Harbor witnessed a historic moment as the colossal Statue of Liberty arrived from France. Packed in over 200 crates aboard the French ship Isère, this magnificent gift marked a powerful symbol of friendship between France and the US and a shared commitment to liberty and democracy.
The Statue of Liberty, officially named Liberty Enlightening the World, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. Its metal framework was engineered by none other than Gustave Eiffel, the mastermind behind the Eiffel Tower. The statue was France’s way of commemorating the centennial of American independence in 1876, although delays in fundraising and construction meant that the statue was not completed and shipped until 1885.
As the Isère entered New York Harbor, thousands gathered to witness the arrival. The excitement was palpable. The massive figure, although disassembled, represented ideals that resonated deeply with the American people. It was a gift born out of a shared revolution, mutual respect and the pursuit of human rights.
The statue was an ambitious joint venture. While France funded and built the statue itself, the US was responsible for constructing the pedestal on which it would stand. This collaborative effort spurred large-scale public fundraising campaigns in both countries. American publisher Joseph Pulitzer played a major role in raising funds for the pedestal by urging citizens from all walks of life to contribute.
After its arrival, it took several months to assemble the statue on Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island). The pedestal was still under construction and the final unveiling would not occur until October 28, 1886, when President Grover Cleveland formally dedicated it in a grand ceremony.
Standing 151 feet tall (305 feet including the pedestal), the Statue of Liberty quickly became an iconic figure on the American landscape. Her torch, held high, became a beacon of hope for millions of immigrants arriving in the US in search of a better life. Inscribed on her base is Emma Lazarus’s famous poem, The New Colossus, which includes the immortal words: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Today, the Statue of Liberty stands not just as a monument, but as a lasting symbol of freedom, opportunity and the enduring bond between two nations united by democratic ideals. Its arrival on that summer day in 1885 remains a milestone in the history of American liberty and international friendship.
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