In our continuing series in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Historical Society of the New York Courts is highlighting New York’s role in the creation of our nation and its legacy through its annual calendar. In October, we are spotlighting the Statue of Liberty.
October: Statute of Liberty
On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated Liberty Enlightening the World, a gift from France to the United States to commemorate the American Revolution and the alliance between the two nations. Adorned with a crown, the Statue of Liberty holds a torch in one hand, and, in the other, a tablet inscribed with July 4, 1776. The statue also became a symbol for immigrants, welcoming newcomers to a land of opportunity and freedom. In 1987, in honor of the statue’s dedication, Congress designated October 28th as National Immigrants Day.
Image Captions
Oil painting depicting the dedication of the Statue of Liberty on October 28, 1886, The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World, 1886, by Edward Moran, 1886. The painting is held at the Museum of the City of New York, and the image is in public domain in the United States, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
“New York – Welcome to the land of freedom – An ocean steamer passing the Statue of Liberty: Scene on the steerage deck,” published in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, July 2, 1887. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, LC-DIG-ppmsca-51996.