The dedication ceremony of the Statue of Liberty occurred with great fanfare on Liberty Island, formerly known as Bedloe's Island, marking a significant occasion in American history. President Grover Cleveland, who was then in his first term, presided over the event, emphasizing the statue's role as a symbol of freedom and democracy in the United States. The statue had been a gift from the French people, conceived by political thinker Édouard René de Laboulaye and designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, to commemorate the centennial of American independence and strengthen Franco-American ties.

The dedication was attended by an estimated 200,000 people, including government officials, military personnel, and members of the public. Cleveland, in his speech, highlighted the statue as a representation of the ideals of liberty and justice, a beacon to those seeking a new life in America, especially immigrants from around the world. The statue, standing at 151 feet tall, was unveiled after a long preparation phase that included the assembly of its intricate copper and iron structure brought over from France.

Moreover, the Statue of Liberty rapidly became an iconic representation of American values and a significant landmark. The event captured the imagination of many and inspired a sense of national pride, grounding the statue's place in American culture as a symbol of hope and opportunity. Cultural celebrations and parades occurred across the nation, reinforcing the statue's fond perception in the American consciousness, while establishing its role in welcoming immigrants to the land of freedom.