E Pluribus Unum should remind us

On this day in 1886, the Statue of liberty was formally opened and made available to the public.

The Statue of Liberty stands as one of the most iconic symbols of freedom in the world, but its history reveals much more than just a celebration of liberty—it’s a reminder of the United States’ diverse immigrant history. The statue, gifted to the U.S. by France in 1886, was conceived during a time of tremendous change and upheaval in both countries. Its story reflects the power of solidarity between nations and the shared ideals of democracy, but it also underscores the role immigrants have played in shaping the identity of the United States.

The idea for the statue was born just a decade after the end of France’s ill-fated invasion of Mexico, which had sought to establish an empire under Maximilian I. After that imperial venture collapsed in 1867, France began to reflect on the values of freedom and democracy. French historian Édouard de Laboulaye, a vocal admirer of American ideals, proposed the idea of a statue as a gift to the U.S. in 1865, intending it to commemorate the centennial of American independence. Sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi brought Laboulaye’s vision to life, creating a monumental figure symbolizing Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty.

Though the statue was conceived as a gift to celebrate the enduring bond between France and the U.S., its completion and installation were a much more collaborative and international effort than many might realize. While France would provide the statue, the U.S. was responsible for funding the pedestal on which it would stand. Fundraising for the pedestal proved difficult, as donations came in slowly. That is, until Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of The New York World, launched a fundraising campaign that revolutionized public involvement.

Pulitzer’s campaign was notable for reaching out not just to the wealthy elite but to everyday Americans. He used the pages of his newspaper to appeal directly to the working class, encouraging people to donate even the smallest amounts. Contributions came from all walks of life: children, immigrants, laborers, and small business owners. The success of this grassroots campaign mirrored the democratic ideals the statue represented. The statue wasn’t just a monument given by one government to another—it was made possible by the collective efforts of ordinary people, many of whom were recent immigrants to the U.S.

The Statue of Liberty’s unveiling on October 28, 1886, was a celebration of freedom, but its symbolism took on even greater significance in the following decades as millions of immigrants passed through Ellis Island, many of them seeing the statue as their first glimpse of America. For these immigrants, the Statue of Liberty wasn’t just a symbol of freedom in the abstract; it represented their hopes for a new life, free from persecution, poverty, or oppression. The words of Emma Lazarus’s famous poem, “The New Colossus,” inscribed on the statue’s pedestal, capture this sentiment perfectly: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

This iconic statue is a poignant reminder that America is a nation built by immigrants from all corners of the globe. The fundraising campaign for the statue, powered by the contributions of everyday people, mirrored the country’s growing diversity and reinforced the idea that the American dream was accessible to all. Whether they came from Ireland, Italy, Eastern Europe, or Asia, immigrants saw in the Statue of Liberty a symbol of opportunity and welcome.

As we reflect on the history of the Statue of Liberty today, it’s crucial to remember the values it represents. The statue is more than just a relic of Franco-American diplomacy; it is a testament to the enduring power of the immigrant experience in shaping the United States. In a country that continues to be shaped by waves of immigration, the Statue of Liberty reminds us of the importance of embracing diversity and upholding the principles of freedom and equality for all.

In today’s classrooms, the Statue of Liberty can serve as a powerful tool for educating students about the diverse backgrounds that have contributed to the making of the United States. It encourages us to think about the rich mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions that immigrants have brought with them, and how these contributions continue to define what it means to be American. The statue’s history is an invitation to explore the nation’s past, not only through the lens of political events but also through the personal stories of those who arrived seeking a better life.

As educators, we have the opportunity to connect the history of the Statue of Liberty with broader discussions about immigration, identity, and inclusion. The story of the statue is the story of America itself—an ongoing journey of hope, struggle, and progress, written by people from every corner of the world.

This is part of my Readings In History series. Where I try to collect resources from historical events and pop culture to talk about and discuss in my classes. To see more of these entries click here.