New York (CNN) � The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, has been standing tall in New York Harbor for over 130 years. But do you know the history behind this iconic monument?

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the United States in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of America�s independence. Designed by French sculptor Fr�d�ric Auguste Bartholdi, the statue stands at 305 feet tall and is made of copper sheets held together by an iron framework.

The statue�s official name is �Liberty Enlightening the World� and it was originally intended to be a symbol of the friendship between France and the United States. It was also meant to represent the shared values of liberty and democracy.

But the statue�s journey to New York was not an easy one. It took over 10 years to complete and faced numerous obstacles along the way. Bartholdi had to raise funds for the statue�s construction, and the pedestal on which it stands was a separate fundraising project led by American newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer.

The statue was also disassembled and shipped in 350 individual pieces across the Atlantic Ocean. Once it arrived in New York, it took four months to reassemble and finally be unveiled to the public on October 28, 1886.

Since then, the Statue of Liberty has become a symbol of hope and opportunity for millions of immigrants who have come to America seeking a better life. It has also served as a welcoming beacon for visitors and a reminder of the values that the United States stands for.

In 1984, the Statue of Liberty was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. It has also undergone several restorations over the years to ensure its preservation for future generations to admire and appreciate.

Today, the Statue of Liberty remains a beloved landmark and a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. Its message of hope and unity continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds and serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of America.�

The iconic Statue of Liberty has stood tall in New York Harbor for over 130 years, serving as a symbol of freedom and democracy. However, do you know the story behind this famous monument?

In 1886, the statue was gifted to the United States by the people of France as a commemoration of America�s centennial of independence. It was designed by French sculptor Fr�d�ric Auguste Bartholdi and stands at an impressive 305 feet tall, constructed with copper sheets and an iron framework.

The statue�s official name is �Liberty Enlightening the World� and its purpose was to represent the bond between France and the United States, as well as the shared values of liberty and democracy.

The journey of the statue to New York was not without its challenges. It took over a decade to complete and faced financial hurdles along the way. Bartholdi had to raise funds for its construction, while American newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer headed a separate fundraising project for the pedestal on which the statue stands.

The statue was also disassembled and shipped in 350 individual pieces across the Atlantic Ocean. Once it arrived in New York, it took four months to reassemble and finally be revealed to the public on October 28, 1886.

Since then, the Statue of Liberty has become a symbol of hope and opportunity for millions of immigrants who have come to America in search of a better life. It also serves as a welcoming beacon for visitors and a reminder of the values that the United States stands for.

In 1984, the Statue of Liberty was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. It has also undergone several restorations over the years to ensure its preservation for future generations to admire and appreciate.

Today, the Statue of Liberty remains a beloved landmark and a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. Its message of hope and unity continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds and serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of America.