The Statue of Liberty

Lore & Background

independence and the abolition of slavery after the Civil War.

Reader's Guide

The Statue of Liberty stands as a lasting symbol of freedom and democracy, originally conceived to honor the Union victory and the abolition of slavery. Its construction involved significant fundraising challenges, notably a drive by publisher Joseph Pulitzer of the New York World. The statue was built in France, shipped in crates, and assembled on Bedloe's Island. The statue's design, including the broken chain underfoot, commemorates the national abolition of slavery following the American Civil War.

Did You Know?

• The statue's completion was marked by New York's first ticker-tape parade and a dedication ceremony presided over by President Grover Cleveland.
• The statue's metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel, who later designed the Eiffel Tower.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

1. Some believe the statue commemorates immigration directly, but it was originally conceived as a symbol of independence and the abolition of slavery after the Civil War. 2. Although the statue's framework is often attributed solely to Eiffel, it was designed by Bartholdi; Eiffel built the metal framework, later also designing the Eiffel Tower. 3. The statue is often thought to hold the Declaration of Independence, but she actually holds a tablet inscribed with the date of American independence.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The Statue of Liberty endures because it embodies a universal aspiration for freedom, transcending its original French-American context to become a global emblem of hope. As a welcoming sight for generations of immigrants arriving by sea, it continues to remind us of the ongoing struggle for liberty and the ideals that bind diverse peoples together.