Statue of Liberty | Manhattan

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most enduring symbols of freedom and democracy in the world. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, it has welcomed millions of immigrants and visitors to the United States since the late 19th century.

Basic Facts

Full name: Liberty Enlightening the World

Height: 151 feet (46 meters) from base to torch; with the pedestal and foundation, the full height is 305 feet (93 meters).

Location: Liberty Island, New York Harbor (southwest of Manhattan).

Material: Copper sheets over an iron framework.

Designer: French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.

Engineering: Internal framework designed by Gustave Eiffel, who later designed the Eiffel Tower.

Date of Dedication: October 28, 1886.

Origin and History

A gift from France to the United States, commemorating the alliance during the American Revolution and celebrating shared values of liberty and democracy.

Funded by contributions from both French and American citizens; pedestal construction in the U.S. was supported by a massive public fundraising campaign led by publisher Joseph Pulitzer.

The statue was constructed in France between 1875 and 1884, disassembled, shipped to New York in crates, and reassembled on Liberty Island.

Symbolism

The Woman: Represents Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty.

Torch: Symbolizes enlightenment and the guiding light of freedom.

Tablet: Inscribed with the date JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776), referencing the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Crown: Has seven rays, symbolizing the seven continents and the universal concept of liberty.

Broken Chains at Her Feet: Represent freedom from oppression and tyranny.

Ellis Island Connection

Located nearby, Ellis Island was the gateway for over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954.

For many, the first glimpse of America was the Statue of Liberty, making it a powerful symbol of hope and new beginnings.

Access and Features

Visitors can reach the statue by ferry from Battery Park (Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (New Jersey).

The pedestal and crown are accessible to the public, though crown access requires advance reservation due to limited space.

The Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island opened in 2019 and includes historical exhibits, original artifacts, and an immersive theater experience.

The museum also houses the original torch, which was replaced in 1984 with a new version made of glass and gold leaf.

Preservation and Recognition

Declared a National Monument in 1924.

Underwent major renovations for its centennial in 1986, including structural reinforcement and the replacement of the torch.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

Cultural Importance

Featured in art, literature, music, and films, the Statue of Liberty is a universally recognized emblem of the United States.

The poem "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus, inscribed on a plaque in the pedestal, has become deeply associated with the statue’s role as a beacon for immigrants. Its most famous lines:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”

The Statue of Liberty continues to stand as a powerful, graceful symbol of the ideals upon which the United States was founded—liberty, hope, and the promise of opportunity.