The Statue of Liberty, formally known as Liberty Enlightening the World, turned 125 on Friday.

Standing 151 feet tall in New York Harbor atop a 150-foot pedestal since its Oct. 28, 1886, dedication, Lady Liberty welcomed immigrants sailing to a foreign country and new life, has been an icon of freedom and democracy and even saved New York City from paranormal destruction at the end of Ghostbusters II.

The statue was designed by Frederic Bartholdi, inspired by French law professor and politician Édouard René de Laboulaye's remark 1865 that any monument in honor of American independence should be supported by people of France and the U.S.

France's gift greets throngs of commuters and tourists on the Staten Island Ferry, towers over dignitaries during ceremonies and can be found on everything from dollar-store tchotchkes to works of art.

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New York Skyline WIthout the World Trade Center
The Statue of Liberty stands before the New York skyline one day after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine
Statue of Liberty Interior
The spiral staircase inside the Statue of Liberty. Reuters/Mike Segar
Colossal hand and torch
Before the 1886 dedication, Lady Liberty's torch, along with part of her arm, was display in Philadelphia at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. Two people take in the view atop the torch. The base is an information booth. Centennial Photographic Co.
Head of Statue of Liberty on display in Paris park.
The Statue of Liberty's head on display in a Paris park in 1883. Albert Fernique, published 188
Workmen constructing the Statue of Liberty in Bartholdis Parisian warehouse workshop first model left hand and quarter-size head--Winter 1882
Workmen constructing the Statue of Liberty in Bartholdi's Parisian warehouse workshop. According to the Library of Congress, the photo may have been taken in the winter of 1882. In the picture, men are working on the first model of the statue's left hand. Albert Fernique.
The Bartholdi Statue--Bedloes Island, New York Harbor--Presented to the United States by citizens of France
A lithograph of The Statue of Liberty in 1886, with an insert portrait of the statue's designer, Frederic Bartholdi. J.H. Bufford's Sons Lith., cop
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. REUTERS
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