The most iconic statue of its kind on the planet. Many know it was a gift from the people of France to the people of America. However, the incredible story of how this monument very nearly didn't happen is not widely known. French sculptor, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi became the driving force for one of the most ambitious international construction projects of its time. For Bartholdi completing the statue for the centenary celebration of the Declaration of American Independence became his life's work, but its construction would lead to a thrilling race against the hands of time.