A History of the Statue

Around 1865, the French historian Edouard de Laboulaye proposed that France create a statue as a gift to the United States. This gift was a sort of reward, praising the U.S. on creating a legitimate and stable democracy. The sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, along with architects Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel and Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, were tasked with designing the statue. Although the lack of sufficient funds prevented the construction of Lady Liberty until 1875, the production was swift. The aim was to complete the construction in time for the centennial of the Declaration of Independence.

Eiffel used steel and iron pylon to create the skeleton, while he used copper for her "skin." The American-built pedestal was made of stone and placed on Liberty Island in the Hudson River, after being transferred from its building place in Fort Wood. It was opened right on schedule on October 28, 1886. President Grover Cleveland himself dedicated the Statue of Liberty in front of thousands of people. The Statue of Liberty is and official landmark of the United States. Not only does it does have historical significance, but it's big. It stands out. It is quit literally, a mark on the land. Not only that but people choose to make it special. Devils Tower is just as big but people don't idolize it like they do with the Statue. Devils Tower doesn't stand for anything, while the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of what the U.S. is based on: Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty Going Through
Massive Innovation in 1986