Origins of Liberty

Bartholdi's vision for a monumental statue began in the late 1860s, initially intended for the Suez Canal. After the Franco-Prussian War, he sought a new home for his creation in New York Harbor, where it could symbolize liberty and democracy for incoming ships. Despite gaining support from influential figures, he realized that popular backing was essential, prompting him to return to Europe to refine his design and embody the spirit of American ideals.