Introduction

On October 28, 1886, one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom, Lady Liberty herself, was officially unveiled and inaugurated. This historic day marked the grand inauguration of the Statue of Liberty, a momentous event that celebrated the shared ideals between France and the United States through this iconic monument.

Event Details

The concept of the Statue of Liberty was the brainchild of Édouard de Laboulaye, a distinguished French law professor, politician, and passionate abolitionist. It was conceived as a tribute to the values of freedom and democracy, representing a gesture of international friendship. The statue’s design was brought to life by the renowned French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and constructed by none other than Gustave Eiffel, the visionary behind the Eiffel Tower. After years of meticulous craftsmanship, the statue was disassembled and embarked on an extraordinary journey across the Atlantic from France.

Although the statue arrived in New York in June 1885, its official inauguration took place over a year later, on October 28, 1886. The event was marked by extravagant celebrations, including a parade through the streets of New York City, and it was presided over by President Grover Cleveland.

The statue, standing tall with a torch symbolizing enlightenment in her right hand and a tablet of law with the date inscribed as July 4, 1776, marking Independence Day in the United States, in her left, instantly became an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. She is a representation of the Roman Goddess of Freedom, Libertas, with a broken chain lying at her feet.

Interesting Facts for Kids:

1. The full name of the Statue of Liberty is “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
2. The statue is covered in a thin layer of copper, approximately as thick as two pennies placed together.
3. Lady Liberty stands at an impressive height of about 151 feet, but when you include her pedestal and foundation, her total height reaches a staggering 305 feet.
4. To reach the statue’s crown, one must climb 354 steps.

Educational Activities for Kids:

1. Create a paper model of the Statue of Liberty to understand its design and scale.
2. Write an essay or make a presentation about the tradition of gifting monuments between countries and what they symbolize.
3. Explore other famous landmarks gifted from one country to another and compare their significance.

Conclusion: The inauguration of the Statue of Liberty on October 28, 1886, was not merely the unveiling of a monument; it was the illumination of the ideals that shaped and united nations. This magnificent statue remains a powerful embodiment of freedom, democracy, and international friendship, a testament to artistic, engineering, and humanitarian collaboration between nations.