Finished in Paris
The French people paid for the statue. On July 4, 1884 she is formally presented to the U.S. ambassador in Paris. America’s job: the pedestal.
October 28, 1886 → October 28, 2026 · 140 years today
In 1885, the Statue of Liberty was homeless.
France had built her. New York hadn’t paid for anything to stand her on. Congress said no, the governor said no, and Boston said we’ll take her. Then a newspaper made a promise: give any amount — five cents, sixty cents — and your name will be printed.
You’re the editor now. Can you raise $100,000 faster than Joseph Pulitzer did?
She is 51,134 days old.
The first great crowdfunding campaign
Nobody pays
New York’s governor vetoes $50,000. Congress refuses $100,000. Work stops with about $3,000 in the bank. Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco offer to take her.
“No sum too small”
Joseph Pulitzer’s World appeals to ordinary readers and vows to print every donor’s name. Children, clerks and newsboys send in pennies.
$102,000 from 120,000 people
Most gave less than a dollar. The pedestal is finished in 1886, and on October 28 she is dedicated — 140 years ago today.
Play, print, peer closer, prove it
The Campaign
Lay out 22–26 weeks of front pages, feature real and invented donor letters, ride the Isère’s arrival and fend off six rival cities. Three difficulties, many endings.
Start the presses →Your Name in The World
Make your own 1885 donor-list clipping with your name, your gift and your note — then share it or download it.
Join the list →Up Close
Drag 140 years of weather across her in the Patina Time Machine, measure yourself against her 8-foot finger and walk a 23-moment timeline.
Watch her turn green →Liberty or Not?
34 questions in three modes — Quick Ten, the Full Torch and a 60-second sprint — with ranks from “Lost in Boston” to “Torchbearer”.
Take the quiz →$102,000raised by The World in 1885
~120,000donors, every name printed
80%of it in gifts under $1
151 ft 1 inof copper, base to torch
Pass the torch
It’s her birthday. Send this to someone who thinks she was always green.