When Was the Statue of Liberty Built?

by

Introduction: Tracing Liberty’s Timeline

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, wasn’t built overnight. Its creation was a multi-year endeavor involving collaboration between France and the United States. This article will guide you through the key stages of its construction.

The Initial Concept: Franco-American Friendship

The idea for the Statue of Liberty originated in 1865 with Édouard de Laboulaye, a French intellectual. He proposed a monument as a gift from France to the United States to celebrate their shared values of liberty and democracy and to commemorate the centennial of American independence.

Design and Planning: Édouard de Laboulaye and Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor, was commissioned to design the statue. He drew inspiration from the Roman goddess Libertas. The design process began in the late 1860s and continued into the 1870s.

Construction in France: Timeline and Key Stages

Construction of the statue began in France in 1875.

  • 1876: The arm holding the torch was displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
  • 1878: The head of the statue was displayed at the Paris Exposition.
  • 1879-1884: Construction of the statue’s copper skin and internal framework continued in Paris.
  • 1884: The statue was completed in Paris and officially presented to the United States.

Funding and Fundraising Efforts

Funding for the statue was a joint effort. In France, contributions came from public donations, lotteries, and entertainment events. In the United States, fundraising was led by Joseph Pulitzer, who used his newspaper, The World, to raise money for the pedestal.

Transportation to the United States: Disassembly and Shipment

In 1884, the completed statue was disassembled into approximately 350 individual pieces and packed into more than 200 crates. It was then shipped to the United States aboard the French frigate Isère.

Pedestal Construction: The American Contribution

While France was building the statue, the United States was responsible for constructing the pedestal. Construction of the pedestal on Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island) began in 1883 and was completed in 1886.

Assembly on Liberty Island: Step-by-Step Erection

Assembly of the statue on its pedestal began in 1886.

  • The internal framework was erected first.
  • The copper skin was then attached to the framework.
  • The process took several months to complete.

Official Dedication and Unveiling: The Ceremony

The Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886, in a grand ceremony attended by thousands of people. President Grover Cleveland presided over the event.

Restoration and Renovations: Major Timeline Events

The Statue of Liberty has undergone several major restoration projects:

  • 1938: Minor repairs and reinforcement.
  • 1984-1986: A major restoration project for the statue’s centennial, including replacing the torch.
  • 2011-2012: Interior renovations and accessibility improvements.

Historical Context: The Era of Construction

The late 19th century was a time of significant industrial and technological advancement. The construction of the Statue of Liberty reflected these advancements, showcasing the engineering prowess of the era.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Monumental Timeline

The Statue of Liberty’s construction was a testament to international cooperation and engineering skill. From its initial conception to its grand unveiling, the timeline of its creation is a story of dedication and vision.

Further Resources:

Leave a Comment