The Statue of Liberty, like lot of ladies, has a most interesting history. She was to be a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States to commemorate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence. Designed in France by sculptor Frederic August Bartholdi, the structural aspects were carried out by none other than Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower!

The Statue was fabricated in France and shipped in over 200 crates to the US to be assembled on a pedestal contructed by the US. There were funding issues on both sides of the pond resulting in a 10 year delay before the dedicaton on October 28th, 1886.

One of the many museums in Paris has a life-size index finger from the original design - photo above - as well as plans and a model. For purposes of perspective, the young man in the white shirt behind it is 6'3" - this is one big finger!

Paris is a favorite city to visit, one with a surprise at every turn and more museums than you can take in during a visit. For maximum enjoyment, walking is the best way to travel around the city.