In 1876, France decided to give the United States a very special present for its 100th birthdayN--the Statue of Liberty. The true story of how the 111-foot-tall lady took her place in New York Harbor and her dedication in 1886 is sure to fascinate young readers. Illustrations. In 1876, France decided to give the United States a very big and very special present--the Statue of Liberty. The gift was to commemorate the 100th birthday of the United States, and just packing it was no small feat--350 pieces in 214 crates shipped across the ocean. The story of how the 111-foot-tall lady took her place in the New York Harbor will fascinate young readers.