Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Today, we all know the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of the United States đź—˝ But did you know the original design was actually meant for Egypt?
Sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi offered his design for a large statue of a woman holding a torch to Egypt in 1869, intending it to commemorate the completion of the Suez Canal. Egypt passed, but Bartholdi didn't want to give up on his creation. In 1875 he donated the statue—with a few edits—to the United States, in commemoration of French and American collaboration during the Revolutionary War.
Learn more from Britannica:
America at 250: britannica.com/explore/America-at-250
Why Do Americans Celebrate the Fourth of July With Fireworks? britannica.com/story/why-do-americans-celebrate-independence-day-with-fireworks
The Signing of the Declaration of Independence: britannica.com/topic/Declaration-of-Independence
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#EncyclopaediaBritannica
Inspiring curiosity and the joy of learning since 1768.
Web: britannica.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Britannica
Twitter: twitter.com/Britannica
Instagram: instagram.com/Britannica
Today, we all know the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of the United States đź—˝ But did you know the original design was actually meant for Egypt?
Sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi offered his design for a large statue of a woman holding a torch to Egypt in 1869, intending it to commemorate the completion of the Suez Canal. Egypt passed, but Bartholdi didn't want to give up on his creation. In 1875 he donated the statue—with a few edits—to the United States, in commemoration of French and American collaboration during the Revolutionary War.
Learn more from Britannica:
America at 250: britannica.com/explore/America-at-250
Why Do Americans Celebrate the Fourth of July With Fireworks? britannica.com/story/why-do-americans-celebrate-independence-day-with-fireworks
The Signing of the Declaration of Independence: britannica.com/topic/Declaration-of-Independence
~~~
#EncyclopaediaBritannica
Inspiring curiosity and the joy of learning since 1768.
Web: britannica.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Britannica
Twitter: twitter.com/Britannica
Instagram: instagram.com/Britannica
