The Truth About The Statue of Liberty and Its Origin

The misconception that the Statue of Liberty belongs to Egypt has been around for many years, but it is entirely incorrect. The statue, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was a gift from France to the United States, commissioned to celebrate the centennial of American independence.

Origin and Design

The idea for the Statue of Liberty originated from French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. Bartholdi designed the statue as a tribute to the shared ideals of freedom and democracy, and the French political figures Edouard de Laboulaye and Napoleon III played significant roles in its conception. Laboulaye proposed the gift as a way to inspire the French people towards their own democratic aspirations, following the Union's victory in the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery.

Initially, the statue was intended to be named "Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia," but this name referred to the design concept rather than the final statue itself. Bartholdi had a separate vision for a colossal lighthouse for Egypt, which he presented to Ismail Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt. However, due to the repressive nature of the regime under Napoleon III, Bartholdi did not move forward with the Egyptian project but instead focused on his idea for the U.S.

Gift to the United States

The actual statue, designed to symbolize liberty and freedom, was disassembled in France and shipped to New York City in 1885. It was reassembled on Liberty Island in 1886 and dedicated on October 28, 1886. Since its installation, the torch of the statue has been redesigned or restored several times to ensure its longevity and visibility.

Confusion with the Colossus of Rhodes

There is often confusion with the Colossus of Rhodes, an ancient Greek statue that stood as a symbol of light and guidance at the entrance of the harbor of Rhodes. This statue, similar in concept to the Statue of Liberty, was a masterpiece of engineering and art, standing approximately 33 meters (110 feet) tall. However, the Colossus of Rhodes was not the intended destination for the Statue of Liberty, although it does provide a historical parallel for statues meant to guide and inspire.

Conclusion

In summary, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the enduring friendship and shared values between France and the United States. The conception and realization of the statue represent a unique moment in history when artistic expression and political ideals combined to create a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy. While there are connections with other monumental structures, such as the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Liberty remains a unique and invaluable gift to the people of the United States, celebrated for its enduring significance.