Gifted by France, Lady Liberty stands tall in New York Harbor, a beacon of freedom welcoming immigrants with her torch held high, here are some things to know.
1
Proposed in 1865 to celebrate the US centenary, the French people funded the statue while the US built the pedestal.
2
Sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the iron framework was designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame.
3
Lady Liberty's torch, tablet with the date of American independence, and broken shackles represent freedom and ending slavery.
4
While the French contributed the statue, funding the pedestal in the US almost stalled the project.
5
The statue was disassembled into 350 pieces, shipped to New York, and reassembled on Bedloe's Island.
6
Officially dedicated on October 28, 1886, by President Grover Cleveland, it became a symbol of welcome for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island.
7
Despite challenges like lightning strikes and restoration needs, Lady Liberty continues to be a powerful symbol of freedom and opportunity.