Statue of Liberty

Facts about the Statue of Liberty

• It is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, about 2,000 feet from the southern tip of Manhattan Island.
• It is made of copper, which has turned a greenish color due to oxidation over the years.
• The statue stands 305 feet and 1 inch tall, including its pedestal.
• The statue's face is 8 feet 6 inches tall and its nose is 4 feet 6 inches long.
• The torch, which is held in the right hand of the statue, is covered in gold leaf and is made of copper, with glass panes.
• The pedestal of the statue was designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt and is made of concrete faced with granite.
• The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
• The statue was designated as a National Monument in 1924 and was restored in 1986 to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
• The statue is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can take a ferry from Lower Manhattan to Liberty Island to see it up close.

History

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy that has welcomed immigrants to the United States for over a century. It was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, given in 1886 to celebrate the American Declaration of Independence.

The idea for the statue originated in 1865, when French historian and abolitionist Edouard de Laboulaye proposed that a monument be built to honor the United States as a symbol of the friendship between the two countries. He suggested that the monument be a statue of a woman representing liberty, holding a torch aloft in her right hand.

The French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design the statue, and he worked on the project for more than a decade. The statue was designed to be made of copper sheets attached to an iron frame, and it was to be built in France and shipped to the United States in pieces.

Construction of the statue began in 1875 and was completed in 1884. The statue was shipped to the United States in 1885 and assembled on a pedestal on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886, in a ceremony attended by President Grover Cleveland and other dignitaries.

Since its dedication, the Statue of Liberty has become an iconic symbol of the United States and a popular tourist destination. It was designated as a National Monument in 1924 and was restored in 1986 to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The statue continues to stand as a symbol of freedom and a beacon of hope for immigrants seeking a better life in the United States.

Things to do

There are a number of wonderful and exciting things that visitors can do at this iconic attraction:

• Take a tour. Visitors can take a guided tour of the statue and learn about its history and significance. Tours are available both on the ground and inside the statue itself.
• Climb to the top. Visitors can climb to the top of the pedestal of the statue and get a panoramic view of New York Harbor and the surrounding area. There are steps and an elevator inside the pedestal that lead to an observation deck at the top.
• Explore Liberty Island. Visitors can explore Liberty Island, the home of the Statue of Liberty, and learn about the history and symbolism of the statue. The island also has a museum and gift shop.
• Take a boat tour. Visitors can take a boat tour of New York Harbor and get a close-up view of the statue from the water.
• Attend a ranger-led program. The National Park Service offers ranger-led programs and talks on the history and significance of the Statue of Liberty.
• Enjoy the view. Visitors can simply enjoy the view of the statue from a distance and take in the majesty of this iconic symbol of freedom.

It's important to note that, due to COVID-19 pandemic, some of these activities may be temporarily unavailable or have limited capacity. It's always best to check the official website of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, located here, for the most up-to-date information on what activities are available and how to reserve tickets.

Places to Stay

There are many amazing hotels, airbnbs and other lodgings in and around the Statue of Liberty and New York City. We have listed a just a few below:

• The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park. This luxury hotel is located in Lower Manhattan, just a short ferry ride from the Statue of Liberty. It offers spacious guest rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant.
• The Wagner at the Battery. This hotel is located in Battery Park, just a few blocks from the ferry terminal for the Statue of Liberty. It offers modern guest rooms and suites, as well as an on-site restaurant and fitness center.
• The Wall Street Inn. This boutique hotel is located in the Financial District, just a short walk from the ferry terminal for the Statue of Liberty. It offers elegant guest rooms and suites, as well as a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
• The Conrad New York Downtown. This luxury hotel is located in Lower Manhattan, just a short walk from the ferry terminal for the Statue of Liberty. It offers spacious guest rooms and suites, as well as an on-site spa, fitness center, and restaurant.

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