The cornerstone laying ceremony for the Statue of Liberty took place on Bedloe's Island, which is now known as Liberty Island, in New York Harbor. This monumental event was celebrated with a significant gathering that included not only prominent political figures but also members of the public, illustrating the widespread enthusiasm for the statue. The statue, designed by the French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was a gift from France to the United States, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations and their shared values of liberty and freedom. The ceremony featured the placement of a specially designed, inscribed corner stone into the foundation of the statue, indicating the commencement of construction on this monumental project.The occasion is noteworthy not only for its ceremonial aspects but also for the broader context of the Franco-American relationship it represented. The idea for the statue originated from the French abolitionist Édouard René de Laboulaye, who envisioned the statue as a gift to commemorate the centennial of American independence and as a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom and democracy. The laying of the cornerstone signified operational progress towards the realization of this vision, which would eventually culminate in the statue's completion and dedication years later in 1886. As the statue was constructed, it became a focal point for discussions around immigration, democracy, and international friendship, leading to its lasting legacy in American culture and identity.