The Statue of Liberty isn’t just an impressive monument—it’s a story of friendship, hope, and incredible teamwork between two countries. Standing tall in New York Harbor, Lady Liberty has welcomed millions of people to America and inspired countless others around the world.

Where It All Began: A Gift from France

Back in the 1860s, a French historian named Édouard de Laboulaye came up with the idea to celebrate the United States’ democracy and the end of slavery. He wanted to create a grand statue as a gift from France to America—a symbol of freedom and friendship between the two nations.

The project was brought to life by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who designed a towering woman holding a torch high in the air. The statue was called Liberty Enlightening the World.

Raising the Money and Building the Statue

Building such a huge statue wasn’t cheap or easy. The French people raised money to cover the cost of the statue itself, while Americans were responsible for funding the pedestal it would stand on.

One of the most famous fundraising efforts in the U.S. was led by newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer. He encouraged everyday people to donate by promising to publish every contributor’s name in his newspaper, which helped bring in thousands of small donations.

Engineering a Giant

The statue’s inner framework was designed by Gustave Eiffel—the same engineer who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris. His clever iron framework made sure the copper skin of the statue could move slightly in the wind without cracking or falling apart.

Parts of the statue, like the arm holding the torch and the head, were actually displayed in exhibitions in both the U.S. and France to raise awareness and excitement.

The Long Journey Across the Ocean

Once completed in 1884, the statue was taken apart and packed into 214 crates. It traveled across the Atlantic Ocean aboard a French ship named the Isère, arriving in New York in 1885.

While the pedestal was still being built, the statue waited patiently in crates on what was then called Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island). Finally, in 1886, the statue was assembled and officially dedicated by President Grover Cleveland.

What Lady Liberty Means

The statue holds a tablet inscribed with July 4, 1776—the date of American independence. At her feet lie broken chains, symbolizing freedom from oppression and slavery.

In 1883, American poet Emma Lazarus wrote a famous sonnet called “The New Colossus,” which includes the lines:

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”

This poem became closely tied to the statue’s meaning as a beacon of hope for immigrants coming to America.

A Lasting Symbol

More than just a statue, Lady Liberty represents freedom, democracy, and the enduring friendship between France and the United States. She’s welcomed millions of immigrants arriving by sea and continues to stand as a powerful reminder of hope and opportunity for people all over the world.