On Liberty Island in New York Harbor, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world is the Statue of Liberty. The statue, which France gave to the United States as a gift, has come to represent freedom and democracy not just here but all over the world.
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor, created the Statue of Liberty, which he presented to the United States in 1886 as a sign of their friendship. On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland and a large crowd of onlookers attended a ceremony to dedicate the statue.
The statue has evolved over time into a representation of freedom and hope for the millions of immigrants who have come to the United States in search of a better life. Millions of tourists visit the statue every year, making it one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in New York City today.
The Statue of Liberty is a huge, over 151-foot-tall copper statue. A woman is shown holding a torch in her right hand and a tablet in her left hand in the neoclassical statue, which was created. The date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, is written on the tablet.
The torch on the statue was intended to illuminate the skyline of New York City, but it was damaged in an explosion in 1916 and was never fixed. A new torch that is lit by floodlights at night was installed as part of the statue’s extensive restoration in 1986.
From Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey, visitors to the Statue of Liberty can take a ferry to Liberty Island. The skyline and harbor of New York City are beautifully visible from the ferry.
Visitors can explore the pedestal of the statue as well as the museum on Liberty Island, which contains displays about the statue’s creation and history. Additionally, visitors can ascend to the pedestal’s top for a view of the city and harbor.
Visitors who are willing to ascend the 354 steps to the statue’s crown can get an even better view if they so choose. Only a select number of visitors are permitted to ascend to the crown each day due to safety concerns; tickets must be purchased in advance.
Around the world, the Statue of Liberty has grown to be a potent representation of democracy and freedom. The torch on the statue stands for illumination and hope, and the tablet for wisdom and democracy. At the statue’s base are broken chains that signify the abolition of slavery in the United States.
The statue has come to represent the immigrant heritage of America. Emma Lazarus’s famous quote, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” is inscribed on a plaque at the base of the statue. These words have come to symbolize the American dream and the hope for a better life that has attracted millions of immigrants to the United States over the years.
American culture and society have been significantly influenced by the Statue of Liberty. The statue has appeared in countless films, television programs, and artistic creations and has come to represent both New York City and the United States.
The statue has influenced American immigration policy as well. The statue’s torch served as a beacon in 1903 to direct ships carrying immigrants to Ellis Island, where they underwent screening before being granted entry into the country.
People all over the world are still motivated and empowered by the statue today. In 2017, activists demonstrated in front of the statue in opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, raising a banner that read, “Refugees Welcome.”
