The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World

Long before the skyline of New York was graced with the Empire State Building, and for a short reign, the twin towers of the World Trade Center, there was another landmark that provided the telltale sign of arrival to New York. The Statue of Liberty, with her familiar pose and lit torch, not only provided unmistakable evidence of New York Harbor, but for millions of immigrants she signified the end of a long transatlantic journey and the beginning of a new, better life in America.

The embodiment of American values, Freedom and Independence, the Statue of Liberty stands on her pedestal at what is now known as Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It is interesting to note that she is neither the product of American design nor origin. In fact, the Statue of Liberty arrived in America much the same way 25,000,000 immigrants did: by ocean voyage. The ship she was being transported on nearly sank on the trip to America. She was built in France and intended to be a Centennial gift to America in the spirit of International friendship between the two countries established during the Revolutionary War. However, due to monetary delays, she arrived in America in 1885 (a decade after the Centennial anniversary) in 350 pieces and was then re-assembled on her American-made pedestal to her current state.

Today, care of the Statue of Liberty falls under the jurisdiction of the National Parks and Recreation Department and tourists still flock to the see the 305 foot tall icon, second in American familiarity only to the American flag itself.