Was the Statue of Liberty built by Freemasons?
Yes, the Statue of Liberty has significant connections to Freemasonry. The idea for the statue was conceived by French Freemasons, particularly Edouard de Laboulaye, who was a member of Lodge Alsace Lorraine in Paris. The project was initiated to commemorate the friendship between France and the United States and to celebrate American independence.
The statue was designed by Freemason Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who was commissioned by Laboulaye. Bartholdi's design was influenced by Masonic principles, and he was assisted by other Freemasons, including Gustave Eiffel, who designed the framework of the statue.
The cornerstone of the pedestal was laid by William A. Brodie, the Grand Master of Masons in New York, on August 5, 1884. This ceremony was attended by fellow grand lodge members, military officers, and representatives of the United States and French governments. Brodie emphasized the role of Freemasonry in promoting liberty and liberating men from ignorance and tyranny.
Many elements of the statue carry symbolic meanings that are significant to Freemasonry, reflecting values such as liberty, justice, and equality. Freemasons also played a significant role in the dedication ceremony of the Statue of Liberty on October 28, 1886, where Chauncey Depew, a United States senator and Freemason, provided the primary address for the service.
In summary, while the construction of the Statue of Liberty itself was not directly carried out by Freemasons, the concept, design, and ceremonial aspects were deeply influenced by Freemasonry.