Did you know the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France? The idea first came about in 1865 when French thinker Édouard René de Laboulaye proposed a monument to celebrate the 100th anniversary of America’s independence and honor the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi brought the vision to life with 'Liberty Enlightening the World,' as the statue is officially known, choosing Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor as its home. Though Bartholdi created dozens of remarkable works during his 50-year career, none are as famous, or as far from home, as this towering symbol of freedom.
Click through the gallery to explore the Statue of Liberty up close and discover the history and significance behind this iconic monument.