Since being dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on Oct. 28, 1886, theStatue of Libertyhas been recognized across the world as a beacon of freedom. It was conceived in the 1860s by French antislavery activistÉdouard de Laboulaye. He enlisted French sculptorFrédéric Auguste Bartholdiwho wanted to create a magnificent monument that would represent an alliance between America and France — one that symbolized freedom and liberty for people all over the world.
Today the Statue of Liberty sits onLiberty Islandin New York Harbor facing southeast where she has stood as a welcoming symbol for visitors and immigrants for more than a century. Check out the list below to learn more about Lady Liberty's story, including how she was paid for, who protested her dedication in 1886 and how you can visit her today.
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