On June 19, 1885, the Statue of Liberty was bestowed as a gift of friendship to the United States from the French people. Brought to the United States in segments, the Statue of Liberty stands in the New York Harbor on Ellis Island. To individuals in the United States, Lady Liberty symbolizes some basic tenets of what the country is supposed to stand for and reasons why the Statue of Liberty is important to America.
The End of Slavery
The Statue of Liberty first became important to America because it represented the emancipation of African slaves. The idea for the statue was inspired by French abolitionists in admiration of Abraham Lincoln.
Democracy
The Statue of Liberty is important to America because it symbolizes the nation’s forefather’s fight for freedom and the belief that democracy prevails in the United States.
Immigration
In 1892, the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island was a major port of entry for millions of European immigrants to the United States until the station closed in 1943.
Hope
Many of the immigrants who entered the New York Harbor were escaping tyranny, oppression and poverty. When they saw the Statue of Liberty, it represented hope and the possibility of a new beginning and a better life.
Post 9-11
After September 11, the Statue of Liberty became important to America as a symbol that citizens would not allow fear and terror to take over their lives.