About
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, a massive copper figure that has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. France gave the statue to the American people in 1886, and it remains a symbol of freedom and democracy.
What to expect
The statue is the focus of a visit to Liberty Island, reached by boat across the harbor. Standing beneath it and looking up at its scale gives a sense of the monument's size, while the island itself is a calm place to walk and take in the views of the water and the city skyline beyond.
Why it matters
- It was a gift from France, given in 1886.
- It stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy.
- For generations of immigrants arriving by sea, it was among the first sights of America.
Around the visit
The statue sits within New York City, one of the country's largest cities, so a trip out to the harbor pairs naturally with time spent exploring Manhattan and the surrounding waterfront. Visitors who come for the landmark often find that the harbor setting, with ferries moving across the water, is part of the experience itself.