1884 - August 5 – The cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty is laid on Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor.

On August 5, 1884, a significant event took place in New York Harbor: the laying of the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty. This iconic monument, a gift from France to the United States, symbolizes freedom and democracy. The ceremony marked the beginning of a project that would eventually become one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.

The statue's construction was a collaborative effort between the two nations, with French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designing the statue and Gustave Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame, overseeing its structural framework. The statue was initially named "Liberty Enlightening the World" and was intended to celebrate the centennial of the United States and the enduring friendship between France and America. The laying of the cornerstone was a momentous occasion, setting the stage for the completion of this monumental symbol of liberty and hope.