Written By: Ben Cosgrove
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable pieces of public art, not only in America but around the world. At the time of its dedication on October 28, 1886, this gift from France was, at 305 feet and one inch, the tallest structure in New York City. While its status has been dwarfed in that one measure, its status as an icon has only deepened over time.
Here are photos of Lady Liberty as captured by LIFE photographers through the years.
Liz Ronk edited this gallery for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.
Statue of Liberty, 1951.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1950.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1956.
Dmitri Kessel/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1951.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1959.
Stan Wayman/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1960.
Al Fenn/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1954.
Peter Stackpole/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1931.
Pictures Inc./Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1961.
Howard Sochurek/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1939.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, date unknown.
Al Fenn/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1939.
Margaret Bourke-White/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Statue of Liberty, 1942.
Andreas Feininger/Life Pictures/Shutterstock
