The Statue of Liberty - The Early Years

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people to the people of the United States of America. It was later decided to make it a joint venture, and that America would be responsible for building the pedestal, France the statue, and assembling the statue in America. The goal was to have it completed in time for America’s 100th birthday, the centennial. The Statue of Liberty’s sculptor was Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. The engineer responsible for the internal structural issues was Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower. The Statue was completed in France in July 1884 and arrived in New York Harbor in June 1885. In France the statue was separated into over 350 pieces, and each piece was carefully packed and boxed for the trip to New York. The construction for the pedestal was completed in April 1886. It took 4 months for the Statue of Liberty to be assembled. The dedication for the Statue of Liberty was held on October 28, 1886 and accepted by President Grover Cleveland. In his speech, President Cleveland said, “We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen alter be neglected.” The responsibility for the operation and care of the Statue of Liberty belonged to the U.S. Lighthouse Board until 1901. Then the War Department became responsible for its operation. On October 15, 1924 the Statue of Liberty was declared a national monument. In 1933 the National Park Service became responsible for the operation and care of the statue. Bedloe’s Island, the island the statue was placed on, was renamed to Liberty Island in 1956.