The Statue of Liberty
and Fort Wood

Home > New York State Photographs > New York > The Statue of Liberty & Fort Wood

 

The sun shone brightly on the Statue of Liberty that afternoon, its copper frame seeming to glow in the light. It stood tall and proud, like a beacon of freedom, waving in the summer breeze. The sky was full of puffy clouds that shifted in shades of white and grey, creating a beautiful backdrop as if they had been painted by Michelangelo or Raphael.

On Liberty Island, the sound of waves lapping against the shore mixed with people's chatter and laughter. Tourists from all around the world made their pilgrimage to see the iconic statue, and there was a festive atmosphere among the throng. A group of schoolchildren taking a field trip were gathered at the base of the statue, eagerly snapping pictures and pointing out details. On the tiers of Fort Wood, boatloads of visitors jockeyed for the best view of the harbor. Up on the viewing platform, couples embraced while seagulls screeched overhead.

The sun was at its zenith, and the Statue of Liberty was brilliantly illuminated, each inch of its copper frame gleaming in the magical light. Everywhere people were smiling, awestruck by its grandeur. The Statue of Liberty, it seemed, was a symbol of hope for all nations, a reminder of our shared humanity and a beacon of light shining in the darkness.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal statue located on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor, New York City, United States. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and a symbol of freedom and democracy. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the United States and was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with the framework engineered by Gustave Eiffel, who later built the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It depicts a female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, holding a torch in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence in her left hand. The statue is made of copper sheets assembled on a framework of iron supports.

The Statue of Liberty stands at a height of 305 feet (92.964 meters) from the base of the pedestal to the tip of the torch, making it an imposing and majestic structure. The pedestal on which the statue stands adds an additional 154 feet (47 meters) to the 151 feet of the statue. The statue itself weighs around 225 tons.

Visitors can access Liberty Island via ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Once on the island, they can explore the grounds, visit the pedestal or crown of the statue (with advanced reservations), and learn about the history and significance of the statue through exhibits and guided tours.

The Statue of Liberty holds great historical and cultural significance. It served as a welcoming symbol for millions of immigrants who arrived in the United States seeking a better life, as it was often the first sight they saw upon entering New York Harbor. It remains an enduring symbol of freedom, liberty, and the American Dream.

In 1984, the Statue of Liberty was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. It offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, and visitors can also explore the nearby Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration to learn about the experiences of immigrants who passed through these shores.

The Statue of Liberty has come to represent the ideals of freedom, democracy, and hope not only for the United States but also for people around the world. It continues to inspire and symbolize the shared values of liberty and opportunity.