This Day in History The Statue of Liberty Came to America

The Statue of Liberty is pictured during the flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York N.Y. July 17 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Give me your tired your poor Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these the homeless tempest tost to me.

Emma Lazarus

The Statue of Liberty a gift from the people of France made its way to America on June 17 1885. The French people in honor of the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution presented the statue to recognize America as a champion of liberty and encourage the French to support the same ideals.

When the statue arrived at New York Harbor it was housed in 214 crates. After four months the 350 puzzle pieces were reassembled into the 151 foot tall icon finding a home on Liberty Island.

Lady Liberty by the numbers 8 feet The length of her index finger 7 rays The number of rays on her crown representing the seven seas and continents of the world 6 inches The distance the torch can sway in high winds

Construction of the Statue of Liberty showing the statue in scaffolding man with the flame man with the foot and head and shoulders portrait of Frederic Bartholdi. (Library of Congress)

The sculpture forged by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi is officially titled Liberty Enlightening the World and is widely recognized as a symbol of freedom and democracy. The statue holds a tablet in her left hand engraved with the date July 4 1776 in Roman numerals which highlights her role as a representation of American independence. She embodies the ancient Roman goddess Libertas who signifies sovereignty. Hidden beneath her drapes a broken chain and shackle remain at her right foot showcasing a commitment to ending oppression.

We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home nor shall her chosen altar be neglected.

President Grover Cleveland October 28 1886 Statue of Liberty inaugural speech

Just seven years after the statue was constructed Ellis Island Immigration Station opened as the main Atlantic point of entrance to America. Lady Liberty literally welcomed more than 12 million immigrants to the United States sharing a vision of freedom and opportunity. After immigrants traveled thousands of miles across the Atlantic they were greeted by the empowering image and reminded of the determination and resilience of the American people.

Statue of Liberty Liberty Island Manhattan ca 1984. (Prints and Photographs Division Library of Congress)

The Statue of Liberty now stands as a National Park in the state of New York. To learn more about the Statue of Liberty and National Parks in your home state find your park here.

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