On October 28, 1886, a 240-foot tall structure originally named “Liberty Enlightening the World” was revealed to an audience on Ellis Island in New York. This was the tallest structure in New York City, and it is still a great symbol in America today.1 Who would have known that a French sculptor and a French scholar would want to commemorate America for being a free nation for 100 years. These two individuals go by the names Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and Edouard-Rene Laboulaye.2 These two men met and created a sketch for the statue and wanted it to be a symbol of a “freedom-loving republic, a government in which power lay in the hands of the people, instead of a king.”3 The statue would also symbolize the alliance between France and America that began during the American War of Independence against Britain. There is a misconception that the statue was built to represent a welcoming icon for immigrants; however, this was not the initial purpose of the statue.4 France built the Statue of Liberty beginning in 1875. It was made out of 450,000 pounds of copper and steel. It was agreed by both nations that America was to be in charge of the pedestal, which weighed 27,000 tons, for the statue to rest on.5
In the construction of the statue, Bartholdi had used three hundred copper sheets to cover the entire statue. The reason why the statue appears to be green is due to its long exposure to the atmosphere over time. Something interesting is that the features of the statue’s face resemble those of Bartholdi’s mother and the arms resemble those of his wife. The Statue of Liberty is also presented wearing a long robe, which was influenced by ancient Greek and Rome attire. The purpose of this was to serve as a reminder of the ideals of that ancient era.6
The statue is carrying a tablet in her left hand with the year “1776” written on it, which is the year that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. The significance behind this is to serve as a reminder that “all men are created equal.” It also reinforces the idea that if the government fails to abide by the natural rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” then the citizens have the right to establish a new government by overthrowing the current one. This tablet also serves as a religious reminder of the Ten Commandments that Moses received when God revealed himself to him on Mount Sinai. The torch that is held in Liberty’s right hand symbolizes the light that the United States carries for the entire world. This suggests that nations should follow America’s political system, according to the French architects. She is also wearing a crown with sun rays beaming from it called a “diadem.” This refers to the ancient sun god, Helios.7
In 1884, the entire statue was done being constructed in France; however, due to its large size, it was packed into two hundred cases to be transported to New York.8 The place where the statue was assembled was Ellis Island. The statue is known as the “centerpiece of a magical American place,” since her popularity will grow through being imaged in magazines, newspapers, postcards, among other things.9 One issue with building the statue was the funding for the statue’s pedestal, since the U.S. government was not willing to pay for the construction of it. One way this was done was by fundraising and donations from various contributors, such as Joseph Pulitzer and Emma Lazarus. Pulitzer published in the New York World newspaper asking for donations for this statue. Lazarus wrote a poem at a fund-raising auction to help the funding of the statue’s pedestal.10
The unveiling of the statue was on a foggy, raining day on October 28, 1886. Millions of people witnessed this revelation and took part in a parade held in Manhattan. The President at the time was Grover Cleveland. He gave a speech at the ceremony about freedom and America’s democracy. However, immigration was not mentioned in this speech. The Statue of Liberty was the first major icon that immigrants would see as they came to America. The Statue of Liberty is an important icon in American history and is still a valued symbol today. The story behind its development and upbringing involved the interaction between France and the U.S. The purpose of the construction of this statue is to recognize America’s political system, its dependence on the ideals of freedom, and how America serves as a symbol of hope and a new start for immigrants.11
- Dictionary of American History, 2003, s.v. “Statue of Liberty,” by John Higham. ↵
- UXL Encyclopedia of U.S. History, 2009, s.v. “Statue of Liberty,” by Sonia Benson, Daniel E. Brannen, Jr., and Rebecca Valentine. ↵
- James L. Outman, Statue of Liberty In U.S. Immigration and Migration Reference Library (Detroit: UXL, 2004), 364. ↵
- James L. Outman, Statue of Liberty In U.S. Immigration and Migration Reference Library (Detroit: UXL, 2004), 364-365. ↵
- Dictionary of American History, 2003, s.v. “Statue of Liberty,” by John Higham. ↵
- James L. Outman, Statue of Liberty In U.S. Immigration and Migration Reference Library (Detroit: UXL, 2004), 366-367. ↵
- James L. Outman, Statue of Liberty In U.S. Immigration and Migration Reference Library (Detroit: UXL, 2004), 368-369. ↵
- James L. Outman, Statue of Liberty In U.S. Immigration and Migration Reference Library (Detroit: UXL, 2004), 369. ↵
- Dictionary of American History, 2003, s.v. “Statue of Liberty,” by John Higham. ↵
- James L. Outman, Statue of Liberty In U.S. Immigration and Migration Reference Library (Detroit: UXL, 2004), 365-370. ↵
- James L. Outman, Statue of Liberty In U.S. Immigration and Migration Reference Library (Detroit: UXL, 2004), 370-374. ↵
93 comments
Aimee Trevino
Really great job of explaining throughout the article! I never knew that the Stature of Liberty was made in part with agreement to France. I also did not know that it was not originally intended as a sign for incoming immigrants, as I had always thought that was her purpose. It is interesting to read that all the thought put into her design, such as the the robe, diadem, and date on the tablet. Even all the reasoning behind these is very interesting. Overall great article!
Mario De Leon
A fun article to read! I knew the Statue of Liberty was a gift from a French but it was fun reading into the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. For example, I didn’t know it was a symbol of a freedom-loving republic, a government in which power lay in the hands of the people, instead of a king. It blew my mind when I first learned that the Statue of Liberty was not originally green.
Cameron Mays
The statue of liberty feels so mordern because it still stands as beautifully as ever in New York. What it stands for, however, is all of the history of the U.S., as you stated it was gifted to us because of 100 years of freedom. Choosing to write an article over this was a great idea, as knowing about something evokes a sense of patriotism in a lot of people’s minds. It was organized well and conveyed everything that happened with regards to the statue, so good job.
Gabriela Medrano
The statue oo liberty is nearly everywhere, on books, mugs, key chains, etc. but my ignorant self did not know the history behind it or what was its significance so I am glad you chose this topic. The article provided lots of insight on who fundraised it, constructed it, what was it made of and many other details. However, for some strange reason as I read on and on I wondered why it is a woman and not a man? Just something to think about. Anyway, great article and interesting read!
Aaron Jaramillo
Great job on your article Marissa. You did a great job on capturing the freedom that is within the Statue of Liberty. But when I think of the statue today I do not like about our relationship with France. It was interesting to read that France gave us the Statue of Liberty as a gift. Once again, great job on your article.
Nelson Smithwick
Great article, although the statue of liberty probably does not make one think of the United States relationship with France today, it is interesting to find out that was the original idea behind the statue. Now the statue represents America’s position as a free nation, with open arms for those who need a safe haven. This statue was the first thing millions saw as they entered our country and became the symbol of America as a new start for many immigrants.
Hayden Hollinger
I loved reading this article and learning more about the Statue of Liberty. I had always known it was a gift from France to America, but was fascinated to learn much more in this article. I did not realise the gift was given to celebrate America’s 100 years of freedom, but enjoyed reading more about this world-renowned monument! I thought this was a well written, descriptive article.
Ana Gonzalez
Great article! Your article flowed nicely and it was well researched. I really enjoyed reading about how the French built the Statue of Liberty as a gift to United States that would represent their alliance. The statue was very detailed since she holds the Declaration of Independence in one hand and the other holds a torch. I thought it was interesting how the statue is only green because it has been exposed to weather but I wonder how it looked when it was brand new. Thank you for the article!
Luke Trevino
Wow I knew nothing of the story behind the Statue of Liberty! What blows my mind is that it was mind by French artist! There is so many details that America passes up and doesn’t know about on that Statue! For example: I would of never known that she wears a crown in reference to Helios. Personally I believe the Statue of Liberty is an amazing piece of work and a good representation for those who enter the country. Overall very well written and precise essay
Alyssa Valdez
Very Interesting article author, I can tell you put a lot of time and effort into your research. I had no idea that the statue of liberty had so much meaning and history behind it. I thought it was very interesting to read about how France chose to make the statue and I think it’s important that just like back then, we continue to keep strong relationships with other countries.