History and architecture
Dedicated on October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States. Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designed the figure, Eiffel and Company developed its supporting framework, and Richard Morris Hunt designed the pedestal. The green surface is copper that changed color through oxidation.
Several details explain the monument's message. The raised torch represents enlightenment, while the tablet records July 4, 1776. Broken chains at the figure's feet refer to the abolition of slavery, although that detail is difficult to see from ground level. Its Liberty Island location also distinguishes this landmark from Manhattan's street-front buildings.
What to look for
- The contrast between the copper figure and the stone pedestal.
- The raised torch and the tablet held in the left arm.
- The monument's profile against the harbor as you approach the island.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service: Statue of Liberty Facts
- National Park Service: Creating the Statue of Liberty
Reviewed September 5, 2026.