Today in History, October 28: 1886 – 110 years after the United States came into existence, former New York Governor and US President Grover Cleveland presides over the unveiling and dedication of the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World), a gift to America from the people of France.
Today in History, January 12: 1908 – A long distance radio signal message was sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time. Within a few years the signals would be exchanged with the US Naval Observatory in Washington, DC for scientific purposes. The tower had been designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Exposition held in Paris.
Eiffel had also designed the interior support for the Statue of Liberty, which was a gift given to the United States in the 19th century by the people of France in recognition of America’s inspiration to France for independence and freedom.
Today in History, October 28: 1886 – “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR,
YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE,
THE WRETCHED REFUSE OF YOUR TEEMING SHORE.
SEND THESE, THE HOMELESS, TEMPEST TOST TO ME,
I LIFT MY LAMP BESIDE THE GOLDEN DOOR!”
—Emma Lazarus, 1883
“Liberty Enlightening the World” a statue gifted to America by France in recognition of the two nation’s alliance during the Revolutionary War, is dedicated in New York harbor. The dedication was presided over by President Grover Cleveland.
Mark Loves History! 