Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Statue of Liberty
The figure presiding over New York harbor, officially titled “Liberty
Enlightening the World,” has been a harbinger of freedom for millions
since her inauguration by President Grover Cleveland in 1886. The
statue, a gift of friendship from the French to mark the U.S.'s 100th
birthday in 1876, was designed by the French sculptor Frédéric-
Auguste Bartholdi, who devoted 21 years to the project. Slow fundrais-
ing on both sides of the Atlantic delayed the unveiling by 10 years, but
no problem was encountered financing the $100 million restoration
for the statue's 100th birthday. Her unveiling on July 3, 1986, was the
occasion for one of the largest firework displays ever seen in the U.S.
Top 10 Features
Castle Clinton National Monument
Builtasafortin1808,itnowservesasaboarding
point for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island visit-
ors,andexhibitspanoramasofNewYorkhistory.
Battery Park
WithstatuesandmonumentshonoringeveryonefromNewYork'sfirstJewishimmig-
rants to the U.S. Coast Guard, the park is also a great spot for sea-gazing.
