One would not normally think of the Statue of Liberty as being a lighthouse, but what greater symbol of hope and enlightenment is there but Lady Liberty herself.  Her official title is "Liberty Enlightening the World" and she has won the hearts of many upon their first visit to the United States.  Her placement in the harbor near Ellis Island has welcomed and inspired millions of immigrants to our Land of Opportunity.

The statue was given to the United States as a gift from France on July 4, 1884.   The sculptor was Auguste Bartholdi and the interior framework was designed by Gustave Eiffel.  She was shipped to the U.S. in 350 pieces aboard the French frigate "Isere" in 1885.  Final assembly was completed on October 28, 1886.

From the foundation of the pedestal to the tip of the torch, the statue stands 305 feet.  Copper sheeting 3/32" thick covers the entire statue, some 200,000 pounds of it.  Total weight of the statue is approximately 225 tons.

The statue may be reached only by ferry, either from Battery Park in New York City or from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.  Admission to the park itself is free.   There are 354 steps to reach the crown.  But be prepared for a long wait during peak visitation times  (up to 3 hours).

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