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Statue of Liberty
By: History.com Editors
Updated: April 25, 2024 | Original: December 2, 2009
The Statue of Liberty was a joint effort between France and the United States, intended to commemorate the lasting friendship between the peoples of the two nations. The French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi created the statue itself out of sheets of hammered copper, while Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the famed Eiffel Tower, designed the statue’s steel framework. The Statue of Liberty was then given to the United States and erected atop an American-designed pedestal on a small island in Upper New York Bay, now known as Liberty Island, and dedicated by President Grover Cleveland in 1886.
Over the years, the statue stood tall as millions of immigrants arrived in America via nearby Ellis Island; in 1986, it underwent an extensive renovation in honor of the centennial of its dedication. Today, the Statue of Liberty remains an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy, as well as one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
Origins of the Statue of Liberty
Around 1865, as the American Civil War drew to a close, the French historian Edouard de Laboulaye proposed that France create a statue to give to the United States in celebration of that nation’s success in building a viable democracy. The sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, known for largescale sculptures, earned the commission; the goal was to design the sculpture in time for the centennial of the Declaration of Independence in 1876. The project would be a joint effort between the two countries–the French people were responsible for the statue and its assembly, while the Americans would build the pedestal on which it would stand–and a symbol of the friendship between their peoples.
Did you know? The base of the Statue of Liberty's pedestal contains exhibits on the monument's history, including the original 1886 torch. Visitor access to the Statue of Liberty's torch was halted for good after German operatives set off an explosion on the nearby Black Tom peninsula in July 1916, during World War I.
Due to the need to raise funds for the statue, work on the sculpture did not begin until 1875. Bartholdi’s massive creation, titled “Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World,” depicted a woman holding a torch in her raised right hand and a tablet in her left, upon which was engraved “ July 4 , 1776,” the adoption date of the Declaration of Independence. Bartholdi, who was said to have modeled the woman’s face after that of his mother, hammered large copper sheets to create the statue’s “skin” (using a technique called repousse). To create the skeleton on which the skin would be assembled, he called on Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, designer of Paris’ Eiffel Tower . Along with Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc, Eiffel built a skeleton out of iron pylon and steel that allowed the copper skin to move independently, a necessary condition for the strong winds it would endure in the chosen location of New York Harbor.
Statue of Liberty: Assembly and Dedication
While work went on in France on the actual statue, fundraising efforts continued in the United States for the pedestal, including contests, benefits and exhibitions. Near the end, the leading New York newspaperman Joseph Pulitzer used his paper, the World, to raise the last necessary funds. Designed by the American architect Richard Morris Hunt, the statue’s pedestal was constructed inside the courtyard of Fort Wood, a fortress built for the War of 1812 and located on Bedloe’s Island, off the southern tip of Manhattan in Upper New York Bay.
In 1885, Bartholdi completed the statue, which was disassembled, packed in more than 200 crates, and shipped to New York, arriving that June aboard the French frigate Isere. Over the next four months, workers reassembled the statue and mounted it on the pedestal; its height reached 305 feet (or 93 meters), including the pedestal. On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland officially dedicated the Statue of Liberty in front of thousands of spectators.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
In 1892, the U.S. government opened a federal immigration station on Ellis Island , located near Bedloe’s Island in Upper New York Bay. Between 1892 and 1954, some 12 million immigrants were processed on Ellis Island before receiving permission to enter the United States. From 1900-14, during the peak years of its operation, some 5,000 to 10,000 people passed through every day.
Looming above New York Harbor nearby, the Statue of Liberty provided a majestic welcome to those passing through Ellis Island. On a plaque at the entrance to the statue’s pedestal is engraved a sonnet called “The New Colossus,” written in 1883 by Emma Lazarus as part of a fundraising contest. Its most famous passage speaks to the statue’s role as a welcoming symbol of freedom and democracy for the millions of immigrants who came to America seeking a new and better life: “Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free/The wretched refuse of your teeming shore/Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me/I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The Statue of Liberty Over the Years
Until 1901, the U.S. Lighthouse Board operated the Statue of Liberty, as the statue’s torch represented a navigational aid for sailors. After that date, it was placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. War Department due to Fort Wood’s status as a still-operational army post. In 1924, the federal government made the statue a national monument, and it was transferred to the care of the National Parks Service in 1933. In 1956, Bedloe’s Island was renamed Liberty Island, and in 1965, more than a decade after its closure as a federal immigration station, Ellis Island became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
By the early 20th century, the oxidation of the Statue of Liberty’s copper skin through exposure to rain, wind and sun had given the statue a distinctive green color, known as verdigris. In 1984, the statue was closed to the public and underwent a massive restoration in time for its centennial celebration. Even as the restoration began, the United Nations designated the Statue of Liberty as a World Heritage Site. On July 5, 1986, the Statue of Liberty reopened to the public in a centennial celebration. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Liberty Island closed for 100 days; the Statue of Liberty itself was not reopened to visitor access until August 2004. In July 2009, the statue’s crown was again reopened to the public, though visitors must make a reservation to climb to the top of the pedestal or to the crown.
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The Statue Of Liberty (Essay Sample) 2023
The statue of liberty.
Anyone entering New York harbor will take note of a giant monument standing before them: the Statue of Liberty. The figure is a huge monument representing a woman holding a torch. It is associated with liberty and freedom from oppression and represents hope for millions of oppressed people across the world. This paper analyses the Statue of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most important cultural monuments in the United States, representing and emphasizing the American values. One of such values is freedom. Lady Liberty, as the statue is often referred, reminds the immigrants that their search for freedom and a better life has reached its destination. Democracy is the other American value that is clearly evident in the statue. At the time of the assembly of the statuette, the Americans had been under British rule for long. In a democratic country, people should be allowed to decide on who will lead or rule them, and their views must be respected. Other countries need to intervene when the people of one or more countries are suffering from oppression, just as the French intervened and helped Americans to expel the British and restore self-rule.
The statue has its origin in the 19th century, and a French citizen named Laboulaye is credited with its establishment. Standing at a height of over 110 feet equivalent to a 22-storey building, and weighing over 225 tons, the Statue of liberty has special significance in the United States. One of the defining aspects of the figure is the broken shackles and chains that lie at the feet of the stature. Chains represent suffering and oppression. The torch represents hope and light in the midst of gloom and uncertainty. The torch is covered with various layers of gold, implying the value that freedom has to the progress of the world. With regard to the crown and face of the statuette, there are seven rays on the crown. There are seven continents in the world. The rays represent the seven seas and a bright future for the seven continents hence the entire world.
The statue has artistic, historical, and philosophical significance to not just the immigrants and oppressed people, but to the rest of the world. From an artistic perspective, it is skillfully and carefully designed, and its parts are well assembled and fitted with specific meanings for each part. Its historical significance is meant to remind the world never to retreat into colonization and suppression of freedom.
In the 19th century, the French helped the Americans when the latter was at war with Britain. The British were determined to continue colonizing America hence Britons represented oppression. The French supplied Americans with ships, arms, money, and other necessities during the struggle for independence. The decision by the French government to establish a statue for remembrance of the French-American collaboration places major artistic and historical relevance to the figure.
In the modern world, subjugation exists in various aspects. African-Americans have struggled and fought against racism for ages, while other categories of people such as those exploited by various political regimes across the world continue to suffer. The Statue of Liberty seeks to encourage such individuals and assure them that the future is bright and the chains of tyranny holding them down will soon be behind them.
In conclusion, the Statue of Liberty has special significance to not only the United States and its residents but the entire world. The values of freedom and democracy are to be upheld and protected. Lady Liberty is a symbol of unity and a prosperous world, and the well-being of the world is dependent on the people’s social, political, and economic stability.
The light of democracy — examining the Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, installed 1886, conceived by Édouard Laboulaye, sculpture designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, engineered by Gustave Eiffel, pedestal designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Macaulay and Dr. Steven Zucker
Additional resources:
Official website from the National Parks Service
Rediscovering An Ornate Cast Of Cast-Iron Buildings (New York Times)
Biography of Bartholdi from the National Gallery of Art
Smarthistory images for teaching and learning:
[flickr_tags user_id=”82032880@N00″ tags=”Bartholdi”]
More Smarthistory images…
Video transcript
[0:00] [music]
Dr. Steven Zucker: [0:05] We’re on Liberty Island in the middle of New York Harbor, standing at the feet of the Statue of Liberty.
Dr. Elizabeth Macaulay-Lewis: [0:12] Today, people think of Manhattan’s towering skyline, but in 1886, when she made her first appearance here, there was nothing as tall as Lady Liberty with her torch held high.
Dr. Zucker: [0:21] The statue was a gift from the Republic of France to the United States in honor of the friendship between the two countries, but also in recognition of both countries’ commitment to democracy.
[0:32] The idea of this gift, of this massive sculpture, had originated with a Frenchman who was a historian of American history. He was a republican even at the end of the reign of Napoleon III.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [0:44] He was also the president of the French anti-slavery league, and so a symbol that represented a nation that valued liberty and freedom and had ended slavery was something that Laboulaye saw as a way forward for France. The United States was a model.
[0:58] This is the biggest statue the United States has, this structure, which probably most people would assume was financed by a state because it’s so big, but was not. The whole point was that this was financed by the people of France and then by the people of America.
[1:12] The French set out to raise 400,000 francs for the statue, while the United States citizens were meant to raise the money, about a quarter of a million dollars, to pay for the base.
Dr. Zucker: [1:22] Much of the base was supported by members of the Union League club, but they came up about $100,000 short. By this time, the sculpture had been completed and was laying in pieces in France waiting for the pedestal to be completed.
[1:35] At that point, Joseph Pulitzer, the owner of a newspaper called “The World” reached out to his readership and put forward this project as an expression not of New York’s elites but of the common man.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [1:46] Pulitzer was the master of PR. He raised $100,000 in less than six months, and most of those donations were less than a dollar. That tells you a lot about how Americans, many of whom would have been immigrants, felt about their ideals and ideologies.
Dr. Zucker: [2:00] How does one take an abstract idea and represent it physically? Bartholdi was the sculptor and is responsible for not only selecting the site but also for the overall artistic vision. Richard Morris Hunt was hired to produce the pedestal, and he draws on ancient architectural vocabulary.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [2:18] He references what was one of the most well-known monuments from antiquity, the Pharos or Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt, which was this Greek city, originally, but incorporated many aspects of both Greek and Egyptian architecture. We can really see that in this building.
Dr. Zucker: [2:35] The pedestal was praised in its own day for having a strong design in its own right but also not being so grand as to overshadow the sculpture above it.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [2:44] They work very well together. This is a local Connecticut granite, it’s rusticated. There are galleries on each side that have a colonnade that you can go inside that have spectacular views of the harbor.
Dr. Zucker: [2:55] I love the gently domed roundels that surround the lower part of the pediment. There are 40 of them, and that was one for each state back in 1886.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [3:04] It’s a reminder of the 100th-year anniversary of the United States, so it’s a symbolic building in that way as well.
Dr. Zucker: [3:10] Similarly, on the sculpture itself, the rays of the crown are seven. A reference to the seven seas and the seven continents, and the idea of liberty spreading across the world.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [3:20] When this was dedicated, a million people reportedly came out to see it. What did that one million people, and the immigrants, when they sailed through the Narrows, what did they see?
Dr. Zucker: [3:29] They saw a personification of an idea. They saw a figure informed by the great tradition of ancient Greece, the inventors of the ideals of democracy. The figure is heavily draped so that her body is almost completely lost below it. We can see a finer undergarment and then big, broad fields of copper cladding.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [3:48] Our eyes are drawn up to her face, to the torch. What is also remarkable is her tablet. It just says, very simply, “July 4th, 1776,” in Roman numerals.
Dr. Zucker: [3:58] Those symbols, the symbol of the draped woman holding a torch, this can be read in multiple ways. Bartholdi was at pains to express that this was not an incendiary torch, but rather, this was a torch of enlightenment. And what a face. Her look is so determined. It’s stoic, it is unwavering.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [4:16] She looks like she has accepted that this is her duty. She needs to show the world what the ideals of liberty really mean.
Dr. Zucker: [4:23] She gently strides forward, matching the task at hand as if she’s going to bring liberty from the United States to the rest of the world. In fact, this was produced just as France was moving to the Third Republic.
[4:35] It’s windy out here as we stand at the foot of the statue, and it’s a reminder of the engineering brilliance that went into the design of this sculpture. This is made out of very thin sheets of copper that have to withstand enormous pressure from high winds, even hurricanes.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [4:50] It is made of repoussé work.
Dr. Zucker: [4:52] That means that it was hammered from the back. In this case, in pieces against wooden molds.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [4:57] But then you have another problem. If you figured out how to build it, how does it stay up?
Dr. Zucker: [5:02] The credit here really has to go to Gustave Eiffel, the designer and owner of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [5:07] His other masterpiece is right here in Manhattan’s harbor.
Dr. Zucker: [5:11] But it’s hidden underneath Bartholdi’s beautiful copper skin. Within is a brilliant mechanism to hold every single sheet of copper independently.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [5:21] There are four big, thick, steel pylons, and coming off of there is this spider web of steel connecting to every single piece. This intricate design that is incredibly light.
Dr. Zucker: [5:33] None of those steel posts can touch the copper, because if they did, it would set up a kind of galvanic electric current that would corrode the sculpture, so each post has to be insulated from the copper itself.
[5:44] The Statue of Liberty, which we credit to Bartholdi, is actually very much a communal work. It’s a work of two nations, but it’s also the work of the brilliant architect of the pedestal and an equally brilliant engineer.
Dr. Macaulay-Lewis: [5:55] Many different people working together to achieve a remarkable result.
[5:59] [music]
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Overview + History
The statue of liberty.
She is an icon, a national treasure, and one of the most recognizable figures in the world. Each year millions who cherish her ideals make the journey to experience her history and grandeur in person. She is the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope.
Conceptualizing Liberty
It was 1865 when Frenchman Édouard de Laboulaye proposed the idea of presenting a monumental gift from the people of France to the people of the United States. A n arden t s uppor t er of America , Laboulaye wished to commemorate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence as well as celebrate the close relationship between France and America. He was equally moved by the recent abolition of slavery in the U.S., which furthered America’s ideals of liberty and freedom.
Sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi was in attendance for Laboulaye’s proclamation. Of like mind with Laboulaye’s cause, Bartholdi began conceptualizing the colossal structure that would soon be known as Liberty Enlightening the World .
Bartholdi’s design encompassed much symbolism: her crown representing light with its spikes evoking sun rays extending out to the world; the tablet, inscribed with July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals, noting American independence; to symbolize the end of slavery, Bartholdi placed a broken shackle and chains at the Statue’s foot.
Funding the Dream
Fundraising and bringing people together have always been integral to Lady Liberty’s history. It began with efforts to finance this unprecedented undertaking. France would be responsible for creating the Statue and assembling it in the United States while the American people would fund and build the pedestal.
To raise funds in France, public fees, various forms of entertainment, and a lottery were used. In the U.S., to finance the pedestal, benefit theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions, and prizefights were held. Poet Emma Lazarus wrote her famous sonnet The New Colossus in 1883 for an art and literary auction.
Despite these efforts, fundraising for the pedestal went slowly. To spark public action, in 1885, Joseph Pulitzer placed an ad in his paper the New York World inviting readers to donate to the cause. In exchange, Pulitzer printed each donor’s name in the newspaper. The public rose to the challenge with 120,000 people donating over $100,000 and securing the remaining funds needed for the Statue’s pedestal.
Meanwhile in France, Bartholdi required the assistance of an engineer to address structural issues associated with designing such a colossal copper sculpture. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, just prior to creating his famed Tower, was engaged to design the massive iron pylon and secondary skeletal framework that allows the Statue’s copper skin to move independently yet stand upright.
Construction of the Statue was completed in France in July 1884. The massive sculpture stood tall above the rooftops of Paris awaiting her voyage across the sea.
Back in America that same year architect Richard Morris Hunt was selected to design the Statue’s granite pedestal, and construction got underway.
Crossing the Atlantic
For its trans-Atlantic voyage aboard the frigate Isère, the Statue was reduced to 350 individual pieces and packed in 214 crates. The ship arrived in New York Harbor on June 17, 1885. While awaiting construction of its pedestal, the Statue remained in pieces on what was then called Bedloe’s Island. The pedestal was completed in April 1886 and finally, on October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland oversaw the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in front of thousands of spectators.
The story of the Statue of Liberty and her island has been one of change. For centuries the island was a major source of food for the Lenape native people and later Dutch settlers. In 1807, the U.S. Army deemed the island a military post, constructing an 11-point fort to protect New York Harbor. Later renamed Fort Wood, the structure now serves as the base for the Statue’s pedestal. The Statue’s own meaning and relevance have evolved with time, as well. Perhaps most notable is the association with welcoming “huddled masses.” In 1903, a plaque baring “The New Colossus” was placed in the pedestal. With that Lady Liberty’s significance grew as an inspiration to immigrants who sailed passed her on their way to America.
The Statue of Liberty's Original Torch
As Bartholdi envisioned it in 1874, the flame of the Statue’s torch was not to be lighted but rather made of solid copper sheet and gilded to shine brightly in daylight. But during its first half-century, the torch underwent numerous modifications. When the Statue was dedicated in 1886, two rows of portholes had been cut from the copper at the bottom of the torch to illuminate it from inside. Six years later, an 18-inch belt of glass replaced the upper row of portholes and an octagonal pyramidal skylight with red, white and yellow glass was installed on top of the flame. Changes continued in 1916 when copper was removed in about 250 places and replaced with amber-colored cathedral glass. In 1931 a new lighting system was installed that called for two holes 16 inches in diameter to be cut into the floor of the balcony around the flame through which two projectors were installed. By this time, Bartholdi’s design was barely recognizable.
In the 1980s when the Foundation was restoring the Statue for its centennial celebration, a team of experts determined that the original torch could not be restored. A century of modifications had radically altered Bartholdi’s solid copper flame to one mainly of glass. Leaks from rain and corrosion from the elements had damaged the original torch above the handle beyond repair. It was removed on July 4, 1984 and replaced with a replica that followed Bartholdi’s design.
Today, the original torch is on display in the Inspiration Gallery of the Statue of Liberty Museum.
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Essay on Statue Of Liberty
Students are often asked to write an essay on Statue Of Liberty in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.
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100 Words Essay on Statue Of Liberty
Symbol of freedom and liberty.
The Statue of Liberty stands tall and proud in New York Harbor, a symbol of freedom and liberty for people all over the world. It was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States and was dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue is made of copper and is over 300 feet tall. It holds a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other. The tablet has the date July 4, 1776, inscribed on it, the day the United States declared its independence from Great Britain.
A Beacon of Light
The Statue of Liberty has been a beacon of light and hope for millions of immigrants who have come to the United States in search of a better life. It is a reminder of the values that the United States was founded on, such as freedom, equality, and opportunity. The statue has also been a symbol of peace and unity, especially during times of war and conflict.
A National Treasure
The Statue of Liberty is a national treasure and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. It is a symbol of the United States and its values, and it is a reminder of the importance of freedom and liberty. The statue is a popular tourist destination and is visited by millions of people each year.
250 Words Essay on Statue Of Liberty
The liberty enlightening the world.
The Statue of Liberty stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It is a colossal neoclassical sculpture designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States and commemorates the centennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
A Symbol of Freedom
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The statue holds a torch in her right hand, signifying enlightenment and knowledge. She wears a crown, representing the seven seas and continents of the world. Her left hand holds a tablet bearing the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
A Gift from France
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States. The statue was constructed in France and then shipped to the United States in pieces. The statue was assembled on Liberty Island and dedicated on October 28, 1886.
A National Landmark
The Statue of Liberty is a national landmark and one of the most iconic monuments in the world. The statue is open to the public and visitors can climb to the top for a breathtaking view of New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of hope and inspiration for people all over the world.
Conclusion: The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and enlightenment. It is a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a national landmark. The statue is a reminder of the importance of freedom and democracy and is an inspiration to people all over the world.
500 Words Essay on Statue Of Liberty
The statue of liberty: a symbol of freedom and hope.
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York City, in the United States. The copper statue, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
Lady Liberty: A Symbol of Freedom
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The statue’s torch represents enlightenment, while the tablet she holds reads “July 4, 1776”, the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The statue’s stance is also significant. She stands tall and proud, with her head held high as if to say, “We are free!”
The Statue’s Construction
The Statue of Liberty was built in France and then shipped to the United States in pieces. The statue was assembled on Liberty Island, which was then called Bedloe’s Island. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886, in a ceremony attended by President Grover Cleveland and other dignitaries.
The Statue’s Message of Hope
The Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of hope for people all over the world. It represents the idea that no matter where you come from or what your circumstances, you can come to America and start a new life. The statue has also been a symbol of freedom and democracy, and it has inspired people all over the world to fight for their rights.
The Statue’s Importance Today
The Statue of Liberty is still an important symbol today. It is a reminder of the ideals that America was founded on. The statue is also a symbol of hope for people all over the world. It represents the idea that anything is possible if you have the courage to dream it.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It is a symbol of freedom and democracy, and it has inspired people all over the world to fight for their rights. The statue is also a reminder of the ideals that America was founded on. It is a symbol of hope for people all over the world, and it represents the idea that anything is possible if you have the courage to dream it.
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- Statue of Liberty
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Location : New-York, USA
GPS : 40° 41' 21'' North / 74° 02' 40'' West
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Description of the statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly the most famous monumental statue in the world. She has an international reputation, and whatever the person with whom you interact, he will recognize it with a simple description. And yet, among the monumental statues, this is one of the smallest that exist. The record is held by the Spring Temple Buddha (China) and its 128m high, followed by Laykyun Sekkya (116m, Myanmar) and Ushiku Daibutsa (110m, Japan). The Statue of Liberty painfully dominates the statue of Genghis Khan (40m, Mongolia) and just over Christ the Redeemer , Corcovado (30m, Brazil). So it begs the question: Why do it seems so beautiful?
The answer is probably not unique. Everyone appreciates it for reasons of its own, but in general it is its proximity to our lifestyles that spring. It was made by a French, delivered to a friendly country, western, which placed so highlight the relations between Europe and the United States. It is primarily a symbol which the West shared values, freedom, resistance to oppression. And of course, it has the features of a European, dressed according to criteria of beauty recognized by our people, namely antiquity.
Where to begin to describe this statue? Perhaps its general beauty, bringing about the virginal incarnation of freedom than purely physical criteria which are necessarily dependent on the civilization from which the beholder is. Yet the comparison with her illustrious Greek predecessor, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Liberty is widely winner in terms of artistic beauty. And the comparison can be flattering: This antique statue was still one of the seven wonders of the world ...
"Freedom" has a nice nose, respectable legacy of Greek classicism. In general, this monumental French-American co-production is more of the goddess Athena seriously look, as the passionaria topless, waving the tricolor, which earned its creator a place Eugène Delacroix in the Louvre today the Louvre Lens, while she herself was reproduced in millions of copies on French banknotes. Whence comes this face so characteristic? Bartholdi kept secret until her death, so that today it is still making assumptions. It could be that the widow of Isaac Singer, that of a young girl at random on the barricades during the revolution against Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, or even that of her own mother. "Miss Liberty" exchange the Phrygian cap against the crown of sun rays represent the seven continents and the seven seas of the world, and at the same time gaining a seriousness that brings him serenity necessary for the position. Beautiful, Statue of Liberty? Undeniably, but at the risk of repeating myself, it has this cool beauty, classic, mistresses-women insured volunteers that delight the world and make pose mankind at her feet.
See as well: Sources of inspiration .
Size and shape
From a more practical standpoint, this statue is actually huge. High 46.50 meters, it is perched on such a high pedestal as tall as it. She quietly reached the venerable weight of 225 tonnes, while the dimensions of the parts of her body inspire respect: A nose of one meter 37, an index of 2m 44, a head of over 5m high ... It is Draped in large dress with many folds, hiding her breast which is not particularly generous. A pledge consensuality perhaps? At her feet, the sculptor has placed the broken chains of slavery, only elements representing freedom. And a discrete element. This statue has a fairer name her nickname: That it illuminates the world is more evident that it is the embodiment of freedom. (Reminder: "Statue of Liberty", it is only her nickname, its official name is "Liberty Enlightening the World") She wears a tablet, secular reincarnation of the tablets of the law of Moses. It is dated July 4, 1776, date of independence of the United States, which seems coherent with regard to its history.
Some measures
All dimensions are explained here: Dimensions of the Statue of Liberty .
- Its location
Its geographical position gives it an international reputation. From the French genius, it was placed at the entrance of the port of New York, probably the largest opening to the world's largest Western country. And radiation is the right word, since it was a beacon during its first years. For 60 years, all US immigration came under her eyes. She brought joy, fear, too, but mainly the hope of a better life than what was experienced in old Europe at that time.
See as well: Location of the statue .
The Statue of Liberty is a metal monster, as he likes to say some bad people. Monster, certainly not, but metal, no doubt. Its internal structure was initially wrought iron, the specialty of its architect Gustave Eiffel . This is him that will build a iron tower a few years later in Paris. In 1984 major renovations replaced it with a steel frame, more ready to withstand the elements of this marine climate. The wrought strength layer that gives shape to the statue is made of copper. It consists of 300 copper plates of 2.3 mm thickness only, which, it must be said, is extremely thin compared to the large size of the final work.
The pedestal is in granitic rocks of Connecticut, deemed highly stable to the marine weather. As high as the statue itself, it contains a museum, and the top is decorated with a balcony allowing visitors to go around, offering a lovely view of the skyline of New York.
See as well: Construction of the statue .
- Sources of inspiration
- The colossus of Rhodes
- Its replicas
- Copy of Paris
- Copy of the Brooklyn museum
- Operation "Strengthen the arm of Liberty"
- Torch of the Alma bridge
- Special students: History of Art (HOA)
- To see in the surroundings
- Its origins
- Easy Timeline
- Its funding
- Its construction
- Origin of copper
- Origin of stones
- Origin of the cement
- The pedestal
- Its inauguration
- Commemorative ceremonies
- Biographies
- Auguste Bartholdi (Sculptor)
- The Bartholdi Museum
- Edouard de Laboulaye (Lawyer, politician)
- Morris Hunt (Architect)
- Emma Lazarus (Poet)
- Gustave Eiffel (Engineer)
- The New Colossus
- Narrative of a visit
- Admire the statue of Liberty
- Understand the statue of Liberty
- Discover the statue of Liberty
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Essay on The Statue of Liberty
February 18, 2018 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment
There are many famous monuments around the globe that are famous for their architectural renditions and some are well known for exhibiting precision in their making.
A very well known monument that is world famous is the statue of liberty, in the New York City of the United States.
The UNESCO declared his monument as a world heritage site in 1984. The statue is totally made up of copper as the construction material and it signifies a lot of important things related to human dignity and freedom.
Freedom of man to live his live with freedom and dignity is depicted in the monument.
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It exhibits high level of independence of man and inspires him to lead a life free of slavery and stand up for one’s own rights. It symbolizes the rights of humans like right to live, basic rights of humans etc.
The United States got their independence in 1776 and the statue of liberty was a dedication that actually symbolizes its independence.
The United States received the monument as a gift from the French government of yore. It was actually a kind of pact between the French and the US government and the French government offered the monument to them as a gift.
The monument also stood in its place to welcome many immigrants and to spread to them, the message of freedom and self-rights.
Table of Contents
History of Statue of Liberty
When Americans got their independence, they had seen what other countries that fought for their freedom go through.
People were in dire need of independence to lead a peaceful and dignified life. They looked out for ways to come out of their shells and be liberated.
On this account, this statue was a huge dedication and representation of their win. The monument is actually depicting a lady covered in robes and holding a torch in her right hand.
The torch is supposed to show way or provide new light in the way of people seeking fresh pathways to break free from old bondages.
It was a motivational and path breaking monument for all Americans and stands special in their hearts to this day. It is a sightseeing place, situated in the New York harbor.
Many visitors who visit the country for the first time flock to the island to get a glimpse of the statue in all its splendor and get captivated by its architectural beauty.
A French man was behind the construction of the monument and it was the biggest gift ever from the French to the Americans depicting their independence.
The statue of liberty was not built in a day. The French and the Americans had made a pact within them to break up the construction costs within themselves and worked out a probable equation.
The French government took responsibility to build the statue and decided to bear the building costs of the statue of the lady liberty. To stand the statue, there needed a pedestal that could act as a support for on which the statue would be built upon.
Construction and Fund Raising Costs of the Monument
The French government while deciding to build the statue, passed on the responsibility of the pedestal building to the American government and the American government decided to bear expenses for the pedestal or the stand for the statue. Next came the issue of raising funds to construct the monument.
The Americans and the French struggled alike to raise building costs for the monument but they could not raise enough funds from the public.
The work of the monument started looking impossible at a certain moment and both were worried about the same. So, a person by name Joseph Pulitzer came forward as volunteer to resolve the issue of fund raising.
Joseph Pulitzer had a newspaper of his own and his articles were very popular at that time and had lot of readers. Readers showed lot of interest in his columns and he used the same popularity to cash in on the fund raising need.
The American community had both middle-class and the elite class readers of this newspaper. It was quiet popular among both the classes, so what Pulitzer did, was that he wrote an article that directly talked about the dependency of the middle class and the rich class over each other.
It was seen that the middle class people always depended on the rich class to survive on their money and fulfill their needs.
This went in saying that the middle class could not donate anything or add to the funds as they had to borrow money from the rich class for their daily needs.
Next came the elite class which was so constricted in spending its money that it hardly cared for the fund raising call. Mr. Pulitzer caught attention through his newspaper by bringing into light these negative ways of both classes of people.
The article worked wonders and funds started pouring in for the construction. Gradually, the construction costs were balanced and the monument was built successfully.
Depiction of The Lady Of Liberty
It is a neutral feeling depicted on the face. Looks of peace and being in calm, dignified silence has surprised many critics worldwide regarding the face expression.
When the monument was built, it came to be a huge, massive structure that looked powerful and gigantic.
The message to the world through the monument was clear. America emerged as one of the super powers later and this monument directly shows the world why it leads as the super power.
The grace and the richness with which the statue is depicted speak for itself. The central message given by the expression is very clear when one observes the face closely.
A country more popularly known as the super power does not propagate ideas of slavery and curtail freedom of one.
It believes in free thinking and high quality of living. Richness in thoughts, richness in purpose and the idea to serve without fear and constraints are some of the powerful words that can be used to describe the monument.
The massive structure resembles the gigantic power the country holds in the world face.
The country has made a position for itself in all respects and people look up to the country for many inspirations. This very structure serves as a major inspiration to fight for one’s own self rights and to emerge as a winner.
The statue of liberty became so popular that it is depicted at many places in America in different sizes and versions. It is depicted in the US currency notes and coins also. The statue spreads the message of maintaining global peace and tranquility.
When constructing the statue, the US government was very particular about the inner details of the construction.
Every single detail regarding the construction was looked into with a great deal of attention as they were very sure they wanted a torch bearer that could spread the message of peace and love, not only to their own country but also to all countries worldwide.
It had to be a global thing, but standing in the lands of America spreading the message from its own land. So, the heavy structure needed a very intricate expert who had earlier experience in investing his time and efforts in such a huge construction.
The person who overlooked the construction of the Eiffel tower was hired as the structural engineer to build the initial model of the monument.
This led him to come up with a structural framework that became functional and the governments approved the sketch of the framework and soon began working on the construction.
Initially copper was used to build the model. After many years, the statue had to be re-modeled owing to the powers of the nature and this time bronze was used for the purpose.
There cannot be anything similar to the statue of liberty due to its serene beauty and it definitely attracts many a visitors and tourists to have a glimpse of the lady of the liberty and understand the global message it is trying to promote through its depictions.
The torch held by the lady consists of a flame depicted in the form of a gold leaf. The pedestal also looks very peculiar and has a star shaped structure with eleven points at different places on the star.
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Essays on Statue of Liberty
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Sample Essay On The Statue Of Liberty
Type of paper: Essay
Topic: Freedom , Statue , United States , Liberty , New York , Sculpture , Statue of Liberty , Art
Published: 02/20/2023
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The Statue of Liberty is a historical sculpture that is situated on the Liberty Island, Upper New York Bay in the New York City, United States of America. The statue is 93 meters tall, and it was designed between 1834 and 1904 by a French sculptor known as Auguste Bartholdi (Rhoades 2013). The main aim of designing this statue was to present it as a gift to the United States of America as a gift from the people of France. The statue is designed to resemble Libertas, who was the Roman goddess of freedom with rob on her head to reveal her female figure (Figure 1). According to the statue, the goddess of freedom holds a torch and a legal tablet that is written the date which America was declared an independent state, July 4, 1776. Figure 1: Statute of Liberty The designer of the Statue of Liberty in New York, Auguste Bartholdi, developed the passion for designing public monuments, and he began designing large-scale public statues. In 1869, he designed the colossal statues of a robed female for the Egyptian government, which expressed a lot of interest for a lighthouse for the Suez Canal. The iconic statue was named the “progress brings light to Asia”. He was talented in building historical monuments that had numerous characteristics of classical sculptures (Rhoades, 2013). His expertise in designing statues for historical remembrance granted him the chance to design the statue of liberty that attracts more than 3.2 million visitors every year. Classical sculptures are characterized with the Ancient Rome or Ancient Greece under Romanized civilizations. The statue of liberty in the United States is a classical sculpture because it was designed to resemble the Roman goddess of freedom. It shows that it has some background of the Ancient Rome civilization characteristics; hence, it qualifies to be a classical sculpture (Nichols, 2015). Another characteristic of classical sculptures is that they portray heroes viewed as religious icons worshiped by the Greeks or the Romans. Therefore, the fact that the statue of liberty depicted Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, shows that it is a perfect classical sculpture. It presents significant moral lessons not only to the people of United States of America but also the rest of the world. The statue is used as an icon for the freedom of all the immigrants entering the United States from other parts of the world. It shows that immigrants should not be discriminated based on their races or social status but rather should be accepted and be treated with dignity and humanity. Therefore, this statue serves as enlightenment to the world about the need to allow other people freedom they deserve and respect their dignity through observing their human rights (Berenson, 2012). The fact that it was designed to commemorate the independence of America shows that independence of a country from its colonies is a significant achievement and should be the beginning of liberty. Apart from the statue of liberty being a classical sculpture in the mimetic sense, it also has a sense of balance and symmetry that gives it more characteristics of classical sculptures. The sense of symmetry is portrayed from the design of the statue, which centrally stands on a stone pedestal that was designed by an American architect, Richard Morris Hunt between 1827 and 1895. However, the statue has no perfect symmetry because the Libertas's left-hand holds a tablet shaped stone that symbolizes the law while the left-hand holds a torch but in a raised position (Berenson, 2012). Despite all these differences, it has significant characteristics to qualify to be called a classical sculpture.
Berenson, E. (2012). The Statue of Liberty: A transatlantic story. New Haven: Yale University Press. Nichols, K. (2015). Greece and Rome at the Crystal Palace: Classical sculpture and modern Britain, 1854-1936. Oxford: Oxford University Press, USA. Rhoades, R. N. (2013). Lady Liberty: The ancient Goddess of America. New York: iUniverse.
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Statue Of Liberty Essay
INTRO: There are a lot of Historical Monuments in the United States, like the white house and the Washington monument but there is one that caught my eye. The statue of liberty in New York is an iconic figure that symbolizes the importance of freedom in America and plays a significant role in the history of the United States. SYMBOLISM: The statue is truly the enduring symbol of America and in many ways one of the important, symbols of the world.
The Statue represents Liberty, the triumph for democratic society over tyranny and corruption, and because of its location in New York’s harbour it represents the hopes and dreams of anyone from anywhere who wants to come to America in search of a better life. The crown that she wears on her head has seven points. Those represent the seven seas and the seven continents of the world. The broken chains at her feet symbolize freedom from oppression, while the tablet she holds in her left hand is inscribed with July 4, 1776, the date the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The torch is a symbol of enlightenment and lights the way to freedom showing us the path to liberty HISTORY OF HOW IT WAS BUILT: The Statue of Liberty was designed by sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi. It was first built in Paris and later reassembled in New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to mark the Declaration of Independence and the alliance formed between the two countries during the American Revolutionary War.
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Once the statue delivered, it took four months to put it together, and was completed on October 28, 1886.
Statue Of Liberty Research
The statue is made of copper and is now green in color because of oxidation (a chemical reaction between metal and water) from evaporation of the seawater surrounding it. The statue is 151 feet tall and rises above a pedestal. In total, the top of the torch rises 305 feet (93 m) above the ground. The torch is visible at night from any direction. Several different lighting schemes were used in the past. Currently, 16 large floodlights provide light. The torch is visible about 24 miles out to sea in clear conditions. In fact, the Statue of Liberty once served, in addition to its role as a national icon, as a functioning lighthouse.
It was not considered very useful, however, and that role evaporated in 1902 ITS ROLE IN MODERN SOCIETY: The statue of liberty in New York is one of the most popular statues in the world and has a significant role in modern society. It is one of the most precious monuments in the United States and is also a great tourist attraction. As a part of security measures, tourists are not allowed to access the crown and torch of the statue. According to the National Park Service’s, until the “Black Tom” explosion, which occurred on July 30, 1916, the torch was accessible to tourists.
The black tom explosion is act of sabotage on American ammunition supplies by German agents to prevent the materiel from being used by the Allies in World War 1. There are two guided tours provided around the island. One is a gentler informational tour that doesn’t require much exertion. It lasts for about 30 to 60 minutes. The second tour is a tour which allows you a view from a 10 storey high observatory. Though requires considerable amount of energy, it gives lifelong memory. You can only take a ferry to reach the Statue of Liberty, thus emphasing the importance of the statue of liberty.
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11 Things To Know Before Visiting The Statue Of Liberty
T he Statue of Liberty is truly a national treasure and destination that anyone who loves Americana culture will enjoy . Gifted to the United States in 1885 by France and placed on its completed pedestal the following year, "Liberty Enlightening the World" has sat magnificently in New York Harbor and captured the imagination of countless generations of onlookers. In 1903, Emma Lazarus's poem, "The New Colossus," added a poignant rallying call to the statue's rising form. "Mother of Exiles," Lazarus calls Lady Liberty, as her most famous words echo through the ages: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
Today, millions of visitors flow through the twined islands in New York Harbor: One supporting Lady Liberty and her crown, torch, and hope for the future, and the other, Ellis Island, a glimpse of America's immigrant past that she represents. If you're a first-time visitor to this popular U.S. tourist destination , you can make the most of your trip by bearing in mind a few essential tips. From planning when to book your tickets and how to pack for the day to structuring your visit's timeline, these factors will ensure a fulfilling and inspiring visit to this symbol of America's most enduring qualities.
Read more: The Most-Visited Tourist Attraction In Every State
Head To Ellis Island Before Seeing Lady Liberty
A ferry ticket to see the Statue of Liberty also includes a stop at Ellis Island. However, it's a good idea to plan for a reversal of these two destinations. Getting off the boat at Ellis Island first will keep you fresh for longer across a day full of walking and time spent outdoors.
Most of the Ellis Island experience is found indoors, so you'll be in the air conditioning and comfortable halls of the museum portion of the trip. Starting here will give you an excellent order of events so that you are ready to take in the sights of the day for the duration of your voyage out to these historic islands. If you begin with the Statue of Liberty, you may find yourself pounding the pavement in the roasting sunlight for hours with little shade to help cool you down or give you a breather.
The tour of Ellis Island is well worth the visit, but doing it after a walk around Liberty Island will have you drenched in sweat at worst and flagging in energy at best. Reorganize your day to get the most out of both stops, especially if you have ancestors who traveled through Ellis Island and are hoping to spend some time steeped in your own history.
Choose Your Footwear With Comfort In Mind
In addition to Ellis Island's walkthrough, Liberty Island spans about 15 acres in total land area. The statue serves as the highlight, of course, but the whole island is worth exploring since the views of New York and New Jersey surrounding it offer awe-inspiring photo opportunities and vantage points. The Statue of Liberty can also be seen from numerous angles, considering the sheer size of the island.
Taking in the breathtaking form of Lady Liberty from different spots around the island will likely take up a good portion of your time on the trip. As a result, you should place wearing comfortable walking shoes right up at the top of your preparation list for the day. Skip the heels or flip-flops for this one and ensure you have plenty of arch support. With the appropriate footwear in place, only your sense of pace will dictate your adventure around Liberty Island and Ellis Island as you experience history in living color.
Don't Forget Your Sunscreen And Hat Or Umbrella
In the same way that quality walking shoes are a must for any visit to these two islands (especially if you're considering climbing through the statue's interior), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or umbrella should be on your packing list, too. Droves of visitors flock to New York Harbor during the summer months to see the Statue of Liberty, when the average highs reach up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit in July.
If you're traveling to the Big Apple to visit these sites during the warmest months of the year, you may be in for a bit of a shock upon landing on Liberty Island if you forget either of these items. There's little in the way of tree cover throughout Liberty Island, meaning the hours you're sure to spend gazing up at the statue's iconic tablet and torch will also be hours spent in the blazing sunshine. This time spent outdoors can drain your energy and potentially result in a wicked sunburn if you don't take the proper precautions.
You Can Visit From Either New York Or New Jersey
Many people don't realize that they can gain access to Liberty Island during a trip to the Statue of Liberty from either New York or New Jersey. The island rests within New Jersey's state boundary but is administered by the National Park Service and falls under New York State jurisdiction due to an 1834 agreement between the two states that Congress ratified.
At any rate, a journey to Ellis and Liberty Islands can be launched from either state, making it easily accessible for more hopeful visitors. It's important to note that you must return to the same place you departed, though. Paying a visit to the Statue of Liberty is an excellent option for lovers of American symbolism and history on a stopover at Newark International Airport. With a day to kill in Newark, getting to Liberty State Park can take as little as 15 to 20 minutes, with an Uber costing roughly $30.
There Are Food Options On The Island, But You Can Also Bring Your Own
Anyone planning a lengthy visit to the islands will be happy to learn that plenty of food options are available. This is an excellent addition for anyone wanting to sit down and have a small snack or meal midway through the day. However, those taking in the sights and sounds of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty should be wary of pricing from these food vendors. As is typical for museums, historical sites, and other attractions that draw huge crowds, food here can be expensive.
Fortunately, visitors can bring their own food and drink on the ferry. This means packing a sandwich or even something prepared that you purchased in a restaurant or grocery store before departing for the islands can make eating a less expensive task. With your snacks in your backpack, you can sit down anywhere you'd like around the island and have a meal with a spectacular visual backdrop to complement your experience. However, bear in mind that you will need to be ready to remove your food items from your bag when passing through security.
Book Your Ticket As Far In Advance As Possible
Buying your tickets in advance is often a good idea, no matter where you plan to visit. However, at the Statue of Liberty, it's even more critical. There's no way onto the islands without purchasing a ferry ticket—private boats aren't allowed to dock—and only roughly 10,000 tickets are available daily. With 4 million visitors per year flowing through these islands, booking your ticket as far in advance as possible is crucial. This will give you the best pick of options and multiple days to select from, in all likelihood.
It is possible to get a last-minute ticket, but they may be more expensive or cover only limited times and dates, making scheduling the remainder of your visit to the area a bit challenging. Tickets typically get released to the public about half a year in advance. As soon as you solidify your travel plans to New York or New Jersey and know that you want to make the trip out to the harbor, book your tickets so you don't miss out on the best experience possible.
Consider The Type Of Ticket You Want
Four ticket types will grant visitors access to different Ellis and Liberty Islands sections. The Reserve Ticket is the base entry ticket and will provide for your ferry to and from the island. This is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the history and views of the islands. Alternatively, you could opt for a Pedestal Reserve or Crown Reserve Ticket. These add access to the statue's pedestal or crown respectively. While there are about 2,400 to 2,900 Pedestal Reserve Tickets available each day, only about 500 Crown Reserve Tickets can be booked daily, making them increasing rarities for visitors planning a trip to see Lady Liberty.
The Pedestal Reserve Ticket offers access to the Fort Wood segment of the statue's pedestal and gives you a closer look behind the scenes. Heading up to the crown introduces an even more exclusive view of the statue and its surroundings. The final ticket type is the Hard Hat Reserve Ticket. Only about 84 of these tickets are available each day, and ticketholders who are lucky enough to snag Hard Hat Reserve access will enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of the unrestored section on the southern side of Ellis Island as well as access to the Ellis Island Hospital and the "Unframed—Ellis Island" art exhibit.
Be Realistic About Your Expectations On The Island
The stairs to the top of the statue can unveil a dramatic culmination of your trip to the island to see Lady Liberty. Not only will you be one of the few who have climbed the 377 steps from the ground to the crown, but you'll be treated to some spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The statue is 305 feet off the ground (including the pedestal), making it a sizeable landmark that provides a truly breathtaking perspective of two iconic American communities.
But, the climb is not for the faint of heart. A Crown Reserve Ticket will allow you to make the climb as one of around just 500 per day. However, thinking long and hard about your physical ability to scale the spiral staircase is essential. Taller visitors will need to hunch over throughout the climb, and there are no cutaways to take breaks while you're hoofing it to the top. Likewise, the entire interior experience can be a bit claustrophobic. Getting to the top is a fantastic achievement, but it's not an endeavor for everyone and certainly not a task you should take lightly.
Visitors Can Look For Their Ancestors In Ellis Island's Computerized Records
Ellis Island was the waystation for many immigrants coming to America from 1892 until 1954. As a result, it's one of the most influential historical sites you can visit in America today. More than 12 million people arrived at New York Harbor's entry terminal at this time, including over 1 million just in 1907. During the early years, passports and visa papers weren't required, and workers inspected immigrants in the arrival hall instead. This led to plenty of paperwork being generated as inspections took place, and today, you can peruse computerized records of these arrivals.
Records are available for the period spanning 1892 through 1924, with ship data and documentation for individuals who came through the processing lines of Ellis Island. This wonderful addition hits home for those whose relatives passed through the doors of Ellis Island before making their way into the United States to begin their new lives. For tens of millions of Americans today (as many as 40% of U.S. citizens), the halls of Ellis Island represent their ancestors' first steps toward the lives that would eventually bring forth their existence. It's a powerful look into the personal histories of so many Americans, and the National Park Service has done a fantastic job of honoring the place and the personalities who once walked its grounds.
Visit In The Spring Or Fall For The Best Experience
The summer months are the Statue of Liberty's peak visiting period. Vast flocks of people coalesce around the ferry terminals in New York and New Jersey, as well as on both historic islands. If you go during the summer, you should expect longer lines and more crowded grounds. This will require you to arrive earlier and add more waiting time to catch the ferry back.
If you plan your visit for the spring or fall, you'll have better weather, shorter lines, and a more enjoyable experience overall. You might also consider visiting in the winter when lines dwindle to their shortest throughout the year. But the brisk winter air in New York is potent, so making sure you bundle up well is essential for anyone visiting then.
Choosing a weekday, particularly Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, is also a good idea. Midweek, the lines will be their shortest and the islands their emptiest, resulting in a more personal experience with the statue and the hallowed halls of Ellis Island. Of course, everyone's itinerary will be unique, so these may not be doable for each visitor. But any leeway you can find in your schedule to book a ticket when crowds might be a little lighter will result in a better trip.
Dress For The Occasion, As Access Comes With Airport-Like Security
Finally, it's important to remember that the National Park Service administers the Statue of Liberty. It's a federally protected space, so you'll face restrictions on what you can bring onto the ferry and island. No weapons are allowed, including firearms, knives, or explosives. You also can't bring mace or other defensive spray-type tools during your visit. Large bags, including suitcases, aren't permitted either. If you purchased a ticket to enter the pedestal or crown, you'll also need to ditch your backpack or purse. There are lockers available at the screening locations before entry to these parts of the statue. They'll cost 25 cents, and change machines are available to break $1 and $5 bills.
Visitors are also prohibited from bringing UAVs or any other aerial drone onto the island. Unfortunately, film and photography will have to remain grounded while you're exploring the statue and Ellis Island. Reserve ticket holders and those with additional access can enter the priority line for faster movement through the security screening process when heading up to the security line.
Read the original article on Explore .
Home / Essay Samples / Visual Arts / Architecture / Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty Essay Examples
The statue of liberty and immigrants.
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