Statue Of Liberty

A landmark at the entrance to New York Harbor since 1886, the Statue of Liberty is a national and international symbol with multiple meanings. Intended as a sign of friendship between the United States and France and as a monument to political liberty in both nations, it has come to represent a broader vision of freedom and democracy and the promise of a better life for the millions of immigrants who passed by her as they entered the country in search of a new life. They always felt reassured at the huge statue looking down at them showing them that America was a place of freedom, liberty, and justice.

Although the French proposed the statue as a gift to the United States, the project became a combined effort of the two countries, with France responsible for the statue and the Americans for its pedestal and base. The French commissioned sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi to create the statue, and he hoped to complete it for the US centennial in 1876 in recognition of France's assistance in winning the Revolutionary War. The statue actually was completed on October 28, 1886 and with much celebration was put on Bedloe's Island.

Illustration of Statue of Liberty, in Liberty
Enlightening the World, 1886.

The Statue of Liberty was designated a National Monument in 1924, and Bedloe's Island was renamed Liberty Island in 1956. Now part of a combined monument and museum site that includes Ellis Island, the Statue underwent extensive restoration at its centennial in 1986. The United Nations has designated it a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its meaning to people across the globe. The Statue Of Liberty still stands tall today and is a big symbol to all people ,not only America ,but in the world , that America is a land of free for all people no matter what race or heritage or culture and everyone will have a fair chance at being succesful. Immigrants brought much needed labor to the Statue of Liberty and were a major reason in making the Statue which was to celebrate America winning the civil war with france by its side and also to give all people coming to America a sense of hope in this newfound land.