On this historic day, June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York in 350 pieces, carefully shipped in more than 200 cases. It took over a year to assemble the statue, with its official unveiling to the public not occurring until October 1886. This magnificent masterpiece, designed by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, was a gift from the people of France to celebrate American independence and the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Originally intended as a centennial gift in 1876, the Statue of Liberty faced delays due to fundraising issues. To raise funds, unique and creative efforts such as lotteries and boxing matches were organized. Eventually, France funded the cost of the statue, while the United States financed the construction of its pedestal.
An interesting fact is that poet Emma Lazarus wrote her famous sonnet, “The New Colossus,” in 1883, which was cast in bronze and displayed inside the pedestal. This powerful poem features the iconic lines, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
The fundraising for the pedestal was also a slow process, but it received a significant boost when Joseph Pulitzer placed an ad in his paper, the New York World, inviting readers to donate. Each donor’s name was printed in the newspaper as a sign of gratitude. This successful campaign resulted in 120,000 people donating over $100,000, the amount needed to complete the construction.
The Statue of Liberty’s total cost, in 1880s money, was approximately $250,000, which would be equivalent to nearly $6 million in 2023. Meanwhile, the construction of the statue’s pedestal in the United States faced its own delays, leaving the statue’s pieces on what was then called Bedloe’s Island.
Finally, in April 1886, the construction of the pedestal was completed, making the Statue of Liberty the tallest structure in the United States at a height of 151 feet, 1 inch. Visitors today can enter the statue and climb up to the crown, but it requires climbing 162 stairs, as there is no elevator service. The climb to the crown is considered strenuous, but the reward is a breathtaking view and a deeper appreciation for this enduring symbol of freedom and democracy.
In conclusion, the arrival and assembly of the Statue of Liberty in New York on this day in 1885 marked a pivotal moment in history. This remarkable monument stands as a testament to the friendship between France and the United States and continues to inspire visitors from around the world with its message of hope and liberty.
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