La Liberté éclairant le monde, or Liberty Enlightening the World, is a colossal neoclassical sculpture designed by French Sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and metal framework by Gustave Eiffel. The statue is an image of Libertas, a robed, Roman goddess of Liberty. On her right hand is a torch held above her head. On her left hand is a tabula ansata or tablet, with the inscription "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI" or July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals. It is the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Around Lady Liberty's feet is a broken shackle and chain, representing the national abolition of slavery. The Statue of Liberty is an icon of freedom and a recognizable symbol of the United States. It also became a symbol of welcome to immigrants arriving by sea. Lady Liberty is a gift to the United States from the people of France.
The original torch, on display at the Statue of Liberty Museum.
Ellis Island was once the busiest immigration inspection station in the United States. The Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital is now a national museum of immigration.
The scenic ferry ride gives a fantastic view of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Get the same feeling the immigrants felt during those days, as they make their way to the land of promise. #VisitTheUSA #UnitedStories #OutdoorsUSA #RoadTripUSA
Take a 30-minute live guided tour in English of Battery Park and visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Explore with audio guides or upgrade to a fully-escorted tour of Liberty Island & Ellis Island. Book now with GetYourGuide
