Statue of Liberty

'The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World' was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886.  It was designated as a National Monument in 1924.  Employees of the National Park Service have been caring for the colossal copper statue since 1933.

What is the Statue of Liberty made of? The Statue of Liberty is made of copper 3/32 in. (2.4 millimeters) thick, the same as two U.S. pennies put together.

Why is the Statue green? The Statue's copper has naturally oxidized to form its familiar 'patina' green coating. This patina is as thick, in many places, as the copper behind it and is protecting the copper from naturally wearing away.

How tall is the Statue of Liberty? The Statue is 305ft. 1in. from the ground to the tip of the flame. It is the equivalent height of a 22-story building. In 1886, it was the tallest structure in New York. See more Statue Statistics.

Is the Statue of Liberty an image of a man or woman? Classical images of Liberty have usually been represented by a woman. The Statue of Liberty's face is said to be modeled after the sculptor's mother.

Is the torch open? The torch has been closed since the 'Black Tom' explosion of July 30, 1916, which was one of the largest acts of sabotage to our nation prior to the event of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Many people think they've been there and confuse it with climbing a spiral staircase which goes to the crown. National Park Service staff must climb a narrow 40ft. ladder in order to maintain the floodlights which light the torch.

Is the crown open? Yes, by reservation at www.statuecruises.com

Do you have questions about pedestal, monument and crown access? The ferry company should be contacted regarding advance tickets, confirmations, monument access pass availability. You can reach them at: 877-LADY TIX for advance tickets and monument access passes or on line at: www.statuecruises.com

Can I purchase food or bring my own to the park? You can do either. A food concessionaire is located on Liberty Island and Ellis Island or you can bring your own. (Large coolers will not be allowed through security screening) Liberty Island Concessionaire(Evelyn Hill, Inc. - 212 363-3180. Ellis Island Concessionaire (Aramark Corp.) - 212 344-0996.

Which direction does she face? The Statue of Liberty faces Southeast and was strategically placed inside of Fort Wood which was a perfect base for the Statue. The Statue's position was also perfect for ships, entering the harbor, to see her as a welcoming symbol.

Does the Statue of Liberty get struck by lightning? Yes! Although the Statue is grounded through the massive concrete and granite base she stands on; the Statue gets struck many times each year. Just how many is not known. The Statue's height and the conductive material she's made of, copper, makes it a structure of choice for lightning strikes.

What does the torch represent? The torch is a symbol of enlightenment. The Statue of Liberty's torch lights the way to freedom showing us the path to Liberty. Even the Statue's official name represents her most important symbol 'Liberty Enlightening the World'. The Statue's current replacement torch, added in 1986, is a copper flame covered in 24K gold. It is reflective of the sun's rays in daytime and lighted by 16 floodlights at night. The original torch was removed in 1984 and is currently inside the lobby of the monument.

What is written on the Statue's tablet? The tablet of law, held in the Statue's left hand, has the date of American Independence July 4, 1776, written on it in Roman numerals (July IV, MDCCLXXVI)

What do the seven spikes on the Statue's crown represent? The rays represent a radiant halo, also called an 'aureole.'

Is the Statue in New York or New Jersey? The Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island, federal property administered by the National Park Service, located within the territorial jurisdiction of the State of New York. A pact between New York and New Jersey, ratified by Congress in 1834, declared this issue.

Can I dock my personal boat or vessel on the island? No. Docking of private vessels is not permitted! Visitors can only arrive at the island via the contracted ferry concession service presently in place.

Are Pets Allowed In the Park? No, pets are not permitted on the ferry system or in the park itself. Documented service/assist animals are exempt from this regulation.

If I take the ferry from one side, must I return to that side? Yes. Ferries depart from both the State of New York and New Jersey. The side you start from is where you should return to. If not, you may be forced to find alternate ways back due to crowding or ticket office closures.

Is the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island? No. The park is comprised of two separate islands, Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island and Ellis Island, the former federal immigration station, is currently a national museum of immigration.

Can I use my National Park Pass when visiting this park? No. National Park passes are valid at parks that charge an entrance fee. Liberty and Ellis Islands are fee exempt by law. Transportation fee (ferry) does not apply. More information or to order National Park Passes at: www.nationalparks.org