The Statue of Liberty is shown as it arrives in New York. France’s gift to America
crossed the Atlantic dismantled in crates aboard the French steamer Isère (center), which nearly sank in a storm during the voyage. Two hundred thousand people
lined the docks and hundreds of boats put to sea to welcome the Isère. It took a
year to completely assemble the statue on Bedloe’s Island, now called Liberty
Island.
 

The Statue of Liberty’s spine and pedestal on Bedloe’s Island, awaiting
segments arriving from France.

An illustration of The Statue of Liberty being assembled after her arrival on Bedloe’s Island. 

The Statue of Liberty is an icon of freedom and of the United States, and
was a welcoming sight to many immigrants arriving from abroad.