A visit to New York is incomplete without a visit to this unique statue gifted by French people to the people of America. So, it was included in our tour itinerary when we, a group of 25 Indians, visited it in the first week of September, 2024. To reach the Liberty island, our tour manager had booked the tickets that included the cost of ferry to the Liberty Island, where the Statue, a nice retaurant, beautifuul parks and a museum illustrating the history behind the construction of the Statue are situated. The boat cruise took about 30 minutes from Battery Park near the Bowling Green to reach the island, where we stayed there for about 2 hours, went around the whole island, visited the museum and also took Indian snacks with beverages. For going inside the statue, tickets are to be booked months in advance and further, there was not enough time at our disposal. We stayed there just for about 2 hours. Coming back to the history, it was donated by France to US in 1886 incelebration of the American independence in 1776. The statue was sculpted by the French architect Frederic Augustus Barthole and the French christened it as Liberty Enlightening The World, the pedestal was designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Work began in 1865 and completed by 1886. President Calvin coolidge declared it a National Monument in 1924. The statue is about 305 feet high including its pedestal. The crown over the lady Liberty denotes oceans and continents of the world. It is constructed by layers of copper sheets hammered into desired shape and stands on frames inside. whose face is known to resemble the mother of its architect. Inside it has 154 stairs. The lady Liberty is holding a tablet bearing the date of adoption, 4 July 1776 (in Romans) inscribed and in the other hand it holds a torch representing freedom from poverty. The feet show coming out of a chain representing freedom from slavery. These days, the torch in the hands is illuminated by electricity.
Through the ferry service, the tourists come ross Ellis island and skyscrapers in the New Jersey and New York city whole cruise service is fascinating presenting a scenic view. of the twin cities. A must visit place.