This story explains the history and significance of the Statue of Liberty, beginning with its origins as a gift from France to celebrate American freedom. Designed by French sculptor Bartholdi, the statue's right arm and torch were unveiled during the 1876 Centennial Celebration, while the rest of the statue took an additional ten years to complete. Finally assembled in the United States in 1885, it was officially unveiled on October 28, 1886, and served as the country's first electric lighthouse.