Statue of Liberty

Located on Liberty Island in Manhattan, the statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886, as a gift to the United States from the people of France. It was given to celebrate the 100 years anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. The statue is an icon of freedom and the United States: a welcoming signal to immigrants from abroad. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous statues in the world and one of the best attractions for the American patriot.

The statue depicts Libertas, a robed Roman goddess of liberty. Her right hand is holding a flame over her head. As she advances, she leaves a broken shackle and chain at her feet as a tribute to the recent abolition of slavery in this country. Following its dedication, the statue rose to fame as a symbol of American freedom and openness to immigrants traveling by sea.

Laboulaye suggested that the French finance the statue and the United States furnish the location and erect the pedestal in 1875 after the Franco-Prussian War had delayed development. Before the statue was entirely designed, Bartholdi finished the head and the arm holding the torch, and these parts were displayed for display at international expositions.

Location: New York City