A colossal copper lady. That’s the first impression of the Statue of Liberty. She stands tall a beacon of freedom for millions.
This magnificent structure wasn’t built overnight. It was a gift from France to the United States. A symbol of enduring friendship. The French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi created her. Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel the man behind the Eiffel Tower designed her steel framework. It was a collaborative effort spanning continents.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift in 1886. President Grover Cleveland dedicated her. She was erected on a small island. This island is now known as Liberty Island. Millions of immigrants passed by her. They arrived in America via nearby Ellis Island. They were heading for a new life. They looked to her as a symbol of hope.
In 1986 she underwent a major renovation. It was her centennial celebration. The renovation ensured she would stand tall for many years to come. Today she remains a symbol of freedom and democracy. She is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
The inscription on her tablet reads July 4 1776. This is the date of the Declaration of Independence. Her face is said to have been modeled after Bartholdi’s mother. This is just one of the many fascinating facts surrounding this powerful symbol. It’s a story of international collaboration. It’s a story of hope and new beginnings. It’s the Statue of Liberty’s story. A story we continue to write today.