On This Day October 12

Construction on Rio de Janeiro's beloved statue of Jesus, which is perched atop the mountain known as Corcovado, began in 1922. The statue officially opened on October 12, 1931. Weighing in at 635 long tons, the soapstone-and-concrete statue's welcoming arms stretch almost 97 feet across. The Christ the Redeemer is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and can be seen in many Hollywood movies and music videos.

Aerial view of the statue. By Gustavo Facci from Argentina - Flickr

WANT MORE THINGS THAT HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 12? CHECK OUT MY ONTHATDAY BLOG. HERE'S A LINK.