Statue of Liberty unveiled in New York Harbor, 1886

On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty, an enduring emblem of freedom and unity, was officially unveiled in New York Harbor. This grand event marked the culmination of a collaborative effort between France and the United States, symbolizing their strong friendship. The day featured festive celebrations organized by the Franco-American Union alongside the City of New York. Renowned sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi expressed his fulfillment at achieving his dream through this monument. President Grover Cleveland presided over the dedication, amidst the participation of over one million attendees. The festivities included the first-ever ticker-tape parade, a tribute to the statue titled 'Liberty Enlightening the World.' Various groups such as firefighters, soldiers, and veterans culminated the celebration with a parade down Broadway, accompanied by the sounds of brass bands and cannon fire. As Bartholdi prepared for the significant reveal, a French flag concealed the statue, heightening anticipation. An unexpected turn occurred during the event when the flag was inadvertently dropped, breaking the ceremonial moment. The gathered crowd erupted in jubilation, welcoming the statue as a new beacon of hope and liberty. This occasion not only honored both nations but also highlighted key contributors like Édouard Renée Lefebvre de Laboulaye, whose visionary ideas laid the groundwork for this historic gesture. The unveiling solidified the Statue of Liberty's status as an iconic representation of hospitality to immigrants and its role in the ongoing narrative of democracy and freedom in America.