Lady Liberty
In 1865, French intellectual and activist Edouard de Laboulaye proposed the construction of a statue symbolizing liberty for the United States. The monument would commemorate both the U.S. centennial of independence and the enduring friendship with France.
The design process commenced in 1871, with construction starting in 1876 (depicted in the photo). However, the entire statue was completed and assembled in Paris between 1881 and 1884. It was then presented to the U.S. minister to France, disassembled, and shipped to the United States on July 4th, 1884.