The monument was sculpted in the 1880s by Frédéric Bartholdi, the same sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty in New York, U.S.A. This colossal beast is 22 meters long and stands 11 meters high, it is a dominant figure in the local landscape and rightfully represents the courage of the people who defended its territory.
More than 400,000 shells were fired on the town during 83-days of the siege. At approximately 5,000 shells per day, the defense was considered a heroic act.
Pierre Philippe Marie Aristide Denfert-Rochereau, was a French serviceman and politician. He was the one who successfully led the defense in Belfort. When asked to surrender the town, he was quoted as saying, “We are aware of our duty towards France and the Republic, and are resolved to respect it”. His accomplishments in Belfort earned him the moniker the Lion of Belfort.
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