The Statue of Liberty, also known as Lady Liberty, stands as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and the enduring friendship between France and the United States. But have you ever wondered, when was the Statue of Liberty made? In this article, we delve into the fascinating history of this iconic monument—from its inception in France to its grand unveiling in New York City—and explore the remarkable journey that transformed an engineering marvel into a global symbol of hope.

The Origins of a Revolutionary Idea

The story of the Statue of Liberty, Lady Liberty begins in the mid-19th century when Édouard René de Laboulaye, a French political thinker and abolitionist, proposed that France gift a monument to the United States to celebrate the centennial of American independence and honor the shared values of liberty and democracy. Inspired by this idea, the renowned sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design a monument that would capture the essence of freedom.

When Was the Statue of Liberty Made? A Timeline

When was the Statue of Liberty made? The creation of the monumental Lady Liberty sculpture was a monumental task in itself. Here’s a detailed look at the timeline:

1875-1884: The Birth of an Icon in France

Construction of the statue began in 1875 in France. Under the visionary guidance of Bartholdi, French artisans and engineers worked meticulously to transform copper sheets into the majestic figure of Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom. The inner framework, designed by Gustave Eiffel—the engineer behind the Eiffel Tower—ensured that the structure was both resilient and graceful. By 1884, the assembly of the statue in France was complete.

1885: The Journey Across the Atlantic

Once completed, the statue was disassembled into 350 individual pieces and packed into 214 crates for its journey to the United States. This ambitious endeavor marked a significant milestone in international collaboration and engineering.

1886: A New Era Begins in New York

Arriving in New York Harbor in 1885, the pieces of the Statue of Liberty were reassembled on Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island). The monument was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886, in a ceremony attended by thousands of people, marking the birth of a new symbol of freedom.
 

Who presided at the Statue of Liberty dedication ceremony?

President Grover Cleveland played a pivotal role in the history of the Statue of Liberty by presiding over its dedication ceremony on October 28, 1886. As the former governor of New York, Cleveland led the official unveiling of the statue, a gift from France symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations and celebrating the centennial of American independence. ​

The dedication ceremony of the Statue of Liberty, Lady Liberty, was a significant event, marked by a parade through New York City that attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators. President Cleveland headed the procession and later delivered a speech emphasizing the statue's representation of liberty and enlightenment. ​

His involvement underscored the national importance of the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of freedom and democracy.

Engineering Brilliance and Artistic Vision

The question, when was the Statue of Liberty made, is answered not just by dates but also by the groundbreaking techniques used in its construction. Bartholdi’s innovative design combined art and engineering. The copper skin, which has gracefully aged to a distinctive green patina, was crafted using repoussé, a technique where metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side. Meanwhile, Gustave Eiffel’s iron framework provided the necessary support to withstand the elements, ensuring the monument’s longevity.

Did Gustave Eiffel also designed and engineered the pedestal of Lady Liberty?

No, Gustave Eiffel did not create the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The pedestal was designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt. Hunt's granite pedestal became an architectural monument in its own right, existing in harmony with the colossal statue above it.

A Monument That Transcends Time

Since its dedication, the Statue of Liberty has served multiple roles. Beyond its initial purpose as a gift symbolizing Franco-American friendship, it has become:

A Beacon for Immigrants:
For millions arriving in America, the statue was the first glimpse of hope—a symbol of a fresh start and new opportunities.

How was Emma Lazarus related to the Statue of Liberty?

​Emma Lazarus, an American poet and activist, is closely associated with the Statue of Liberty through her 1883 sonnet "The New Colossus." She wrote this poem to help raise funds for the statue's pedestal. In her sonnet, Lazarus reimagines the statue as the "Mother of Exiles," a welcoming figure for immigrants arriving in the United States. The poem's most famous lines are:​

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." ​

Initially, "The New Colossus" was not part of the statue's unveiling in 1886 and remained relatively obscure. However, in 1903, thanks to efforts by Lazarus's friend Georgina Schuyler, the poem was inscribed on a bronze plaque and mounted inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. This addition significantly influenced the statue's interpretation, transforming it into a symbol of hope and refuge for immigrants.

A Cultural Icon:
Featured in countless films, literature, and art, the Statue of Liberty continues to inspire generations worldwide.

A Tourist Magnet:
Today, millions of visitors from around the globe come to New York City to witness this marvel firsthand, standing as a testament to human creativity and the universal quest for freedom.

The Legacy of the Statue of Liberty in Modern Times

Modern technology and media have given new life to the legacy of the Statue of Liberty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of art and architecture, or simply curious about American icons, understanding when was the Statue of Liberty made provides context to its significance today. The monument not only reflects the innovative spirit of the late 19th century but also continues to influence modern cultural and political discourse.

Its ongoing restoration and preservation efforts ensure that future generations will continue to learn from its storied past. The statue remains a potent reminder of the power of ideals, the value of international cooperation, and the beauty of human achievement.

Explore the Cultural Tapestry of New York with TV5

For those inspired by the rich history of the Statue of Liberty and its connection to French culture, TV5 invites you to embark on a unique journey through New York. Discover how French heritage and American dynamism intertwine in our exclusive feature:

Des Suisses à New York

Immerse yourself in captivating stories, breathtaking visuals, and insightful commentary that bring the vibrant cultural landscape of New York to life. Whether you're planning your next adventure or simply curious about the world beyond, our feature provides an engaging perspective on one of the world’s greatest cities.

The historical creation milestones of Lady Liberty in short

So, when was the Statue of Liberty made? This timeless monument was crafted between 1875 and 1884 in France, then reassembled and dedicated in New York in 1886. Its creation represents a blend of artistic brilliance and engineering innovation, a symbol of freedom that continues to inspire millions today.

For a deeper dive into the cultural connections between France and New York, and to experience the rich tapestry of French heritage in the heart of America, check out our exclusive feature.

Discover Des Suisses à New York on TV5MondePlus

Embrace history, culture, and the spirit of freedom—explore the legacy of the Statue of Liberty and more on TV5MondePlus today!