Statue of Liberty National Monument

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Statue of Liberty Overview

This Statue of Liberty FAQ answers frequently asked questions about the history and design of the Statue, and things to do on the island.

History of Statue of Liberty

1. When was the Statue of Liberty built?
   SHOW ANSWER
   Édouard de Laboulaye first proposed the idea for the Statue of Liberty to Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi at a dinner party in 1865, but it was not until 1875 that actual construction on the Statue began. After being transported to the United States and erected on Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor, the Statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
2. Why did France give it to the United States?
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   The Statue was given to the United States as a symbol of Franco-American friendship. Édouard de Laboulaye, who conceived it, felt that the American Civil War and abolishment of slavery had been a hard-won victory for democracy and envisioned the Statue as a tribute to American ideals and a symbol of France's longing for a democratic government of their own.
3. How many people visit the Statue each year?
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   Approximately four million people visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island each year.

The Physical Structure

4. What is the inspiration for the Statue of Liberty's design?
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   The design of the Statue by the artist Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi began with a visit to the United States and the choice of New York Harbor as its location. Bartholdi depicted Liberty as a collosal woman in the classic robes of ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy. Her crown of seven rays stand for the seven continents and seven seas. She holds a tablet in her left hand that bears the date of the Declaration of Independence -- July 4, 1776, America's birth date. In her right hand, she holds a torch, representing Liberty Enlightening the World, the Statue's full name. At her feet lay broken chains -- symbols of the broken shackles of tyranny.
   
   More information on the design is available on the National Park Service site.
5. What are the origins of the star-shaped base of the Statue of Liberty?
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   The Statue was erected on top of Fort Wood on Bedloe's Island. The star-shaped Fort Wood was originally built as part of the city's harbor defense system, and was a sister fort to Castle Clinton in Manhattan and Castle William on Governors Island.
6. What is the height of the Statue of Liberty?
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   The Statue is 151 feet and one inch tall from base to torch. Including the Statue's base, she is 305 feet and one inch tall.
   
   More Statue statistics are available on the National Park Service site.

Visiting Statue of Liberty

7. What can I see and do at the Statue of Liberty?
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   Visitors can walk around the island on their own, enjoying breathtaking views of the Statue and Manhattan skyline. National Park Service Ranger-guided tours and self-guided audio tours are available.
   
   In addition to the above, visitors who choose a pedestal ticket when they purchase their ferry ticket can enter the Statue's base, tour the museum, see the original torch, stroll the 11-point star-shaped Fort Wood and walk up to the observation level of the pedestal.
   
   Visitors who choose a crown ticket can also climb the 354 steps to the crown.
   
   More information on things to do are available on the National Park Service site.
8. How long does it take to climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty and how do you get tickets to the crown?
   SHOW ANSWER
   There are 354 steps to get to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, and visitors should plan on a 30 minute climb. Those interested in visiting the crown need to make reservations through the ferry company ahead of time at statuecruises.com or by phone at 877-523-9849.