A gift from France in 1886, the Statue of Liberty has stood as a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy for over a century. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), the statue was a beacon of hope for millions of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island.

Notable for its neoclassical design, the statue features a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty. She holds a torch in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of American independence (July 4, 1776) in her left. The internal iron framework supporting the copper exterior was a groundbreaking engineering feat for its time.

Fun fact: The statue’s full name is Liberty Enlightening the World, and from heel to the top of the torch, it stands over 300 feet tall including the pedestal—making it one of the tallest statues in the world at the time of its completion.

Today, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most visited landmarks in the U.S., accessible by ferry from Manhattan. Visitors can explore the pedestal museum, enjoy sweeping views from the crown (with advanced reservations), and learn about the statue’s rich symbolism and historical context.

Statue of Liberty

Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City—an enduring symbol of freedom and one of America’s most famous landmarks. Learn its fascinating history, explore its stunning neoclassical architecture, and enjoy panoramic views from Liberty Island.

Fort Wood, a star-shaped fort built in the early 1800s, serves as the foundation for the Statue of Liberty. Originally used to defend New York Harbor, the eleven-pointed granite structure was chosen in the 1870s to host the statue. Today, it’s an integral but often overlooked part of the experience, representing the military and strategic history of the site. You can view its shape clearly from aerial photos or from the ferry as you approach Liberty Island.

Fort Wood

Discover Fort Wood, the historic star-shaped base that supports the Statue of Liberty—linking American defense with the story of liberty.

Fort Wood

New York, United States

Discover Fort Wood, the historic star-shaped base that supports the Statue of Liberty—linking American defense with the story of liberty.

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