Statue of Liberty Timeline

The Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, has stood proudly in New York Harbor since the late 19th century. Gifted by the people of France to the United States, the statue has a rich history filled with international cooperation, engineering marvels, and deep symbolism. Here is a timeline that traces the major events in the creation and life of this remarkable monument.

For a full overview of the Statue of Liberty’s history and meaning, visit the main page.

French abolitionist Édouard René de Laboulaye proposes a monument to celebrate American independence and Franco-American friendship.

1865

French abolitionist Édouard René de Laboulaye proposes a monument to celebrate American independence and Franco-American friendship.

French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi is commissioned to design the statue.

1870

French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi is commissioned to design the statue.

Fundraising begins in France for the statue’s construction.

1875

Fundraising begins in France for the statue’s construction.

Construction of the statue begins in France.

1881

Construction of the statue begins in France.

The statue is completed in France.

1884

The statue is completed in France.

The pedestal is completed, and the statue is reassembled. On October 28, President Grover Cleveland dedicates the Statue of Liberty.

1886

The pedestal is completed, and the statue is reassembled. On October 28, President Grover Cleveland dedicates the Statue of Liberty.

The statue is designated a National Monument.

1924

The statue is designated a National Monument.

: Major restoration is undertaken in preparation for its centennial celebration.

1984–1986

: Major restoration is undertaken in preparation for its centennial celebration.

:The Statue of Liberty’s 100th anniversary is celebrated with a grand re-dedication.

October 28, 1986

:The Statue of Liberty’s 100th anniversary is celebrated with a grand re-dedication.

Q: When was the idea for the Statue of Liberty first proposed?

A: The idea was first proposed in 1865 by Édouard René de Laboulaye, a French political thinker and abolitionist.

Q: Who designed the Statue of Liberty?

A: The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with engineering help from Gustave Eiffel, who later designed the Eiffel Tower.

Q: When did construction begin and end?

A: Construction began in France in 1881 and was completed in 1884. The statue was then shipped to the United States in 1885.

Q: When was the Statue of Liberty officially dedicated?

A: It was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886, by U.S. President Grover Cleveland.

Q: Why was the statue a gift from France?

A: It symbolized the friendship between France and the United States and celebrated the centennial of American independence, as well as shared values of liberty and democracy.

Q: Has the statue ever been restored?

A: Yes, most notably from 1984 to 1986 in preparation for its centennial celebration. The torch was replaced and structural improvements were made.

Q: Is the Statue of Liberty a national monument?

A: From the base to the tip of the torch, it stands 305 feet (93 meters) tall.esignated as a National Monument in 1924.

Q: How tall is the Statue of Liberty?

A: From the base to the tip of the torch, it stands 305 feet (93 meters) tall.

Q: Where is the Statue of Liberty located?

A: It is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, near Ellis Island.

Statue of Liberty