In Paris

The Statue of Liberty's head, on exhibit at the Paris Exposition of 1878. Courtesy of The New York Public Library.

The Statue of Liberty’s head, on exhibit at the Paris Exposition of 1878. Courtesy of The New York Public Library.

By 1878, Bartholdi’s team had completed Lady Liberty’s head and shoulders. The gargantuan head was moved to Paris’ Garden of the Trocadéro Palace. Here she became known as the Lady of the Park and endeared herself to the French people, who remained somewhat skeptical about the project.  

Throughout the course of the exposition, completed pieces were placed along the Champs de Mars. By 1881, crews began to piece together the body publicly in Paris’ Parc Monceau. Growing more and more complete, Liberty gradually became a beloved icon and many Parisians did not want to see her leave the nation. At long last, however, Americans began making preparations to receive the gift.

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