American History Blogmanac: Statue Of Liberty Arm Displayed At the 1876 Centennial Exhibition

Monday, May 4, 2026

Statue Of Liberty Arm Displayed At the 1876 Centennial Exhibition

The 1876 Centennial Exhibition display of the Statue of Liberty’s arm and torch became one of the most striking symbols of America’s growing national identity. Shown years before the full statue was completed, the colossal arm rose above the fairgrounds as both an artistic marvel and a fundraising appeal for the pedestal that would eventually stand in New York Harbor. Visitors gathered around the massive structure, marveling at its scale and the promise it represented—a future monument to liberty, immigration, and democratic ideals. The photograph captures a moment when the Statue of Liberty existed only in pieces, yet already inspired awe.

Information booth at base of arm and two persons seen at railing below flame of torch.

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Spotlight: President Harry S. Truman’s Cabinet — 1945

Harry S. Truman — President
Alben W. Barkley — Vice President
Edward Stettinius Jr. — Secretary of State (1944–1945)
James F. Byrnes — Secretary of State (1945–1947)
Henry Morgenthau Jr. — Secretary of the Treasury (1934–1945)
Fred M. Vinson — Secretary of the Treasury (1945–1946)
Henry L. Stimson — Secretary of War (1940–1945)
Robert P. Patterson — Secretary of War (1945–1947)
James Forrestal — Secretary of the Navy (1944–1947)
Francis Biddle — Attorney General (1941–1945)
Tom C. Clark — Attorney General (1945–1949)
Frank C. Walker — Postmaster General (1940–1945)
Robert E. Hannegan — Postmaster General (1945–1947)

About Our Header

The 1823 map of the United States above in our header is an interesting reflection of the time. It was engraved and distributed in 1823 by Sidney E. Morse, A.M. New-Haven: engraved and published by N. & S.S. Jocelyn. At this time in our history it has been three years since the Compromise of 1820 which is already beginning to buckle under the strain over the issue of slavery. It also reflects an issue overshadowed by the slavery issue: the dispute over the Oregon Territory and the existing border dispute for the territory claimed by the U.S. This dispute between the U.S and the United Kingdom would not be resolved until 1848 when clear and agreed upon boundaries would be reflected in all maps issued afterwards.

125th Anniversary of the Great Fire of Jacksonville

Ten Facts About the Great Fire of 1901

1. The fire began on a Friday around 12:30 p.m. and burned until 8:30 p.m.

2. Chimney embers ignited sun-dried moss to be used as stuffing at the Cleaveland Fibre Factory.

3. The factory was located at Davis and Beaver Streets.

4. Citizens’ bucket brigades joined the city and area fire departments to slow the spread of the flames.

5. Dark smoke clouds could be seen as far away as South Carolina.

6. Seven people died.

7. Ten thousand people were left homeless.

8. One of the few city landmarks to survive the fire was the Confederate Monument in Hemming Park.

9. The fire destroyed 146 city blocks, 1,700 homes, and 2,368 buildings.

10. The damage was estimated at $15 million in 1901 dollars—about $418 million today.

May Innovations & Inventions — U.S. History

May 3, 1978 — The first mass‑distributed computer “spam” email is sent over ARPANET, prompting early debates about digital communication ethics.
May 6, 1889 — The Eiffel Tower’s American‑designed elevators (by Otis) begin operation, showcasing U.S. engineering on a global stage.
May 10, 1869 — The Transcontinental Railroad is completed at Promontory Summit, Utah, revolutionizing U.S. transportation and commerce.
May 15, 1918 — The U.S. Post Office launches the first regular airmail service, pioneering modern aviation logistics.
May 20, 1927 — Charles Lindbergh departs New York in the *Spirit of St. Louis*, a U.S.‑built aircraft that transforms global aviation after his successful solo Atlantic crossing.
May 22, 1906 — The Wright brothers receive their first U.S. patent for a “flying machine,” securing legal recognition for controlled, powered flight.
May 26, 1896 — Charles Dow introduces the Dow Jones Industrial Average, an innovation that becomes central to American financial analysis.