Statue of Liberty Torch, Madison Square

The Hand Torch, Madison Square. Photo published by E. & H.T. Anthony (America Illustrated, Stereographs of New York City). Source: Photographic views of New York City from the collections of the New York Public Library.

The Statue of Liberty's torch was on display on the northwest corner of Madison Square from 1877 to 1882, during the campaign to raise funds for the base of the statue. For 50 cents, sightseers could go inside and climb a ladder to the flame. The The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World, designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was dedicated on October 28, 1886. It was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.