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Located on 12-acre Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, one of the most universal symbols of America, was actually a gift from the people of France. Conceived as the embodiment of political freedom and a gift of international friendship, "Liberty Enlightening the World" (the Statue's original name) has become a beacon for people both commemorating and still in search of freedom and opportunity. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor during a formal ceremony on October 28, 1886. The colossal statue was designated a National Monument by Presidential Proclamation on October 15, 1924.
The Statue was extensively restored in time for her spectacular centennial on July 4, 1986.
In 1984, the Statue was designated as a World Heritage
Site.
Interesting
Facts
A time-pass is required to enter the monument. A limited number of daily passes are available, on a walk-in basis, from the ferry company at no additional cost. Time passes and ferry tickets can also be reserved in advance for a handling fee
on-line
or by calling 1-866-STATUE-4.
Visitors now have a choice of two options in experiencing the monument:
1. PROMENADE TOUR - This options takes visitors through the monument lobby, past the original torch to the Statue of Liberty Exhibit for a 20-30 minute Ranger-guided tour. Visitors will then proceed outdoors on the lower promenade and Fort Wood for a brief talk with great views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.
2. OBSERVATORY TOUR - This option incorporates the promenade tour plus a visit to the pedestal observation platform for an interesting new experience allowing visitors to view the Statue's interior framework through a new glass ceiling portal and taking part in a ranger-guided program learning about the Statue's design.
The Statue's crown is not accessible and the torch has been officially closed since July 1916.
Getting There:
The park is accessible by Circle
Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc. ferries only. One round trip ferry ticket includes visits to Liberty and
Ellis Islands. Ferries depart from Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Battery Park is located at the Southern tip of Manhattan, off the West Side Highway South or the FDR Drive South. Liberty State Park in New Jersey is located off exit 14B of the New Jersey Turnpike.
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