The world is full of wonders, and some of its most iconic landmarks owe part of their existence to lottery funding. From ancient projects in China to modern-day conservation efforts in Europe, lotteries have played a surprising role in shaping history. Here are some fascinating examples.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, stretching thousands of miles, is one of the most impressive feats of human engineering. Construction began during the Qin Dynasty around 221 BC, but ongoing expansions and maintenance required vast resources. Interestingly, the earliest recorded lotteries—known as keno slips—from the Chinese Han Dynasty (205–187 BC) are believed to have helped fund major government projects like the Great Wall. While the exact details are lost to history, it’s clear that lottery-style fundraising played a role in bringing this monumental landmark to life.
The Statue of Liberty
Standing tall in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom recognized worldwide. Its construction was costly and fraught with challenges, including funding shortages. In France, where the statue was built before being shipped to the United States, fundraising campaigns—including lotteries and public collections—helped cover costs. The statue’s foundation in the U.S. was financed separately through a mix of donations, public initiatives, and small-scale lotteries. Without these creative funding efforts, Lady Liberty might never have made her iconic journey across the Atlantic.
London’s Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge in London, completed in 2000, is a sleek steel footbridge celebrating the new millennium. Its construction was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, part of the National Lottery. Though the bridge famously wobbled when first opened—earning it the nickname “Wobbly Bridge”—it was later re-engineered for stability and has become a beloved London landmark.
The Colosseum of Rome
Rome’s Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, required massive funding for its construction. Ancient legends suggest that Roman emperors, including Augustus, may have used lottery-style methods to collect funds from the populace after costly wars. In modern times, Italy has continued to use public and private funding—including lottery proceeds—to maintain and restore the Colosseum, ensuring that this ancient giant endures for future generations.
Landmarks of Colonial America
In early America, lotteries were frequently used to fund public projects. Some notable examples include:
- The Jamestown Colony, the first English settlement in the Americas, supported by a lottery organized under King James I.
- Boston’s Faneuil Hall, known as the ‘Cradle of Liberty,’ rebuilt after a fire in 1761 with state lottery funds.
- Sections of Washington D.C., where a Grand National Lottery helped fund early infrastructure and public buildings.
These early fundraising efforts helped shape the foundations of American cities as we know them today.
Modern Lottery Contributions
Even today, lotteries continue to support public works, cultural projects, and historical preservation. From funding museums to restoring landmarks, the impact of lottery funding remains significant around the globe.
Thousands of modern and ancient landmarks owe their survival and creation, in part, to lottery funding. So the next time you buy a lottery ticket, remember that your play isn’t just a chance to win—it could also contribute to projects that leave a lasting mark on history.