Liberty Island

BlackTom

Manhattan & Liberty Island, New York

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Liberty Island NPS August 2012

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Liberty Island Aliens

FortWood

Liberty Island is a federally owned island in Upper New York Bay in the United States, best known as the location of the Statue of Liberty. The island is an exclave of the New York City borough of Manhattan, surrounded by the waters of Jersey City, New Jersey. It has been long administered by the U.S. National Park Service as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument which includes the statue itself and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

History

The history of Liberty Island can be traced back to the colonial period when it was known as Oyster Island, due to the large quantities of oysters found in its surrounding waters. Over the years, it has been used for various purposes including as a quarantine station, a fort, and a naval magazine. The island was renamed Liberty Island in 1956 to better reflect its role as the home of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France to the United States, dedicated in 1886.

Geography

Liberty Island covers a land area of about 14.7 acres (5.9 ha) and is located in the Upper New York Bay. The island is accessible to the public via ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Despite being geographically closer to New Jersey, the island is an exclave of New York City.

Attractions

The primary attraction on Liberty Island is the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. Visitors can explore the pedestal, the museum inside it, and for those who reserve in advance, access to the crown for panoramic views of the harbor and city skyline.

Access and Conservation

Liberty Island is open to the public, but access is controlled through a ticketing system for the ferry service. The island and the statue are maintained by the National Park Service, which undertakes conservation and restoration efforts to preserve them for future generations.

In Popular Culture

Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty have been featured in numerous films, television shows, and other media, symbolizing hope, freedom, and the American Dream.

See Also

• Ellis Island
• Statue of Liberty National Monument
• National Park Service
• Immigration to the United States