The Statue of Liberty: History, Meaning, and Cultural Significance The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, standing proudly on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi , the statue was gifted by the people of France to the United States as a symbol of friendship and shared democratic values. It was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886 , and has since become a universal symbol of freedom, hope, and opportunity. Origins and Construction of the Statue of Liberty The statue was constructed using copper sheets over an iron framework engineered by Gustave Eiffel , the same engineer behind the Eiffel Tower. Originally brown, the statue turned green over time due to natural patination of the copper surface. Standing 151 feet tall , the statue represents Libertas , the Roman goddess of freedom. She holds a torch symbolizing enlightenment and a tablet engraved with the date July 4, 1776 , representing ...