The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, almost didn’t make it to New York Harbor. Learn how France’s gift to the United States faced financial hurdles and how a newspaper publisher’s innovative fundraising campaign rallied the public to complete this iconic monument.
France’s Role in Building the Statue of Liberty
The construction of the Statue of Liberty was a collaborative effort between France and the United States. French historian Édouard de Laboulaye first proposed the idea around 1865, aiming to celebrate the United States’ victory in the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.
He believed this would bolster support for democracy in France. The French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi agreed to design the statue, which he named “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
The Financial Struggle in the United States
While France was responsible for building the statue itself, the United States had to finance the pedestal. By the time the statue arrived in New York Harbor in June 1885, the pedestal was still under construction, and fundraising efforts were ongoing.
The American Committee of the Statue of Liberty had not yet raised the necessary $250,000 to $300,000 for the pedestal. Federal funding was not an option due to disagreements in Congress and the refusal of New York Governor Grover Cleveland to allocate city funds for the project.
Joseph Pulitzer’s Fundraising Campaign
Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian immigrant and wealthy newspaper publisher, played a crucial role in raising the necessary funds. On March 16, 1885, he appealed to the readers of his newspaper, the New York World, to donate money for the pedestal. Pulitzer emphasized that the statue was a gift from the people of France to the people of America, not just from the wealthy to the wealthy. He printed the names of donors in the newspaper, often including personal stories about their contributions.
Public Contributions and the Completion of the Pedestal
Pulitzer’s campaign was a success. By August 1885, more than 120,000 people had donated over $100,000, enough to complete the pedestal. This grassroots effort allowed everyday Americans to feel a sense of ownership and connection to the statue. The fundraising drive was one of the earliest examples of a successful public crowdfunding campaign.
The Statue’s Arrival and Dedication
The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York in 350 pieces and took a year to assemble due to the unfinished pedestal. Finally, on October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated the statue in New York Harbor. The dedication ceremony was marked by 15 minutes of applause before Cleveland could begin his speech, signifying the immense public support and enthusiasm for the statue.
The journey of the Statue of Liberty from concept to completion is a testament to the power of public support and determination. Despite financial obstacles, the collaborative efforts of France and the United States, bolstered by Joseph Pulitzer’s innovative fundraising campaign, ensured the statue’s place in history. This story not only highlights the resilience of those involved but also underscores the enduring spirit of liberty and democracy that the statue represents.
