What is the purpose of the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol for universal freedom to all the United States citizens and the people who visit the country. Originally, the statue was a symbol of friendship between France and the U.S.

The sculpture was made in Paris by Frederic Bartholdi, a French sculptor with the help of Gustave Eiffel. It was given to the U.S. as a gift during the hundredth anniversary of the U.S. independence in 1876. It stands on Upper New York Bay and has welcomed millions of immigrants who have arrived in the U.S. by sea. The statue reflects ideals, such as liberty, opportunity, democracy, human rights and peace.