The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor, is one of the most recognizable symbols of freedom in the United States. It is accessible only by ferry from either Jersey City or Lower Manhattan but the view of the statue as you approach Liberty Island is breathtaking! The statue itself may not seem as large in person as some, myself included, might imagine it or as it's sometimes portrayed. It's stature and beauty, however, are just as imposing and impressive in person as any tourist could hope for. The island it sits on is small but there are plenty of amenities available for tourists there including restrooms, a cafe, a souvenir shop, and even an audio-guided tour and informative sign postings that tell about the statue, the island, and related topics. From the island, tourists can experience not only a fantastic, up-close view or perhaps even a trip to the top of the crown of the Statue of Liberty but can also enjoy an incredible view of Lower Manhattan as well. Walkways run around and through the island allowing tourists to view the statue from all sides. Elevated by its brick pedestal, the statue towers high above surrounding tree tops so that it can be seen for miles. Made from copper which has turned a pale green color due to exposure to the elements, it tends to stand out well against the often cloud-covered skies and sometimes appears as a shadowy silhouette of a figure, depending on time of day and which side of the statue you stand on. Regardless of how or where you view it from though, the Statue of Liberty is an extremely beautiful and powerful icon and continues to serve as a solid reminder of America's promise of freedom, liberty, and justice for all!