Fun Fact June 17, 2021.
Some assembly required. On June 17, 1885, the dismantled Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of America, arrived in New York Harbor after being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. Lady Liberty arrived in 350 individual pieces packed in more than 200 cases. The copper and iron statue became known around the world as an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. It was supposed to arrive in 1876, but was delayed due to lack of funds to finish it. The statue was reassembled and dedicated the in 1886 in a ceremony presided over by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, who said “We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen altar be neglected.” She’s a big girl; 305 feet tall and weighing in at 450,000 pounds.
