On Oct. 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially unveiled and later dedicated by President Grover Cleveland.
The dedication ceremonies would be attended by over a million people on Liberty Island and throughout New York City.
Marches featured firefighters, soldiers, and veterans. Bands played and sirens and cannons were sounded. Ships decked out in red, white, and blue navigated in formation to watch the French flag covering the statue's face be pulled aside.
A Frenchman stationed in the crown who was tasked with dropping the flag when signaled was accidentally told to let it go too soon, and the statue's face was unveiled in the middle of a senator's speech far ahead of when it was supposed to. Immediately, his remarks were deafened by the firing of cannons, music, and steam whistles.
You can read more about the statue's creation at the National Park Service website, and its dedication at History.com.
