View of the Statue of Liberty

Welcome to Battery Park, at the tip of Manhattan. From here, you’ll enjoy lovely views of the Statue of Liberty, as well as Ellis Island and its impressive Immigration Museum. But before we get to Lady Liberty, let’s talk a bit about Battery Park itself. This park is a real cornerstone of New York’s history. Its strategic location made it a vital point of defense against enemy attack, particularly during the Revolutionary War between 1776 and 1783. Its name refers to the numerous artillery pieces placed there to protect the port. And get this – this is also where the Dutch first set foot on Manhattan Island, way back in 1625! But the main reason we wanted to bring you here is, of course, the superb view over the iconic 93-meter-high Statue of Liberty. The statue itself measures 46 meters, but the pedestal adds a good bit to the overall height. Inaugurated in 1886, this sculpture was actually a gift from France to America, as a token of friendship. It was their way of celebrating the 100th anniversary of American independence. It was designed in 1886 by French architect Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi at his studio in Paris. Fun fact: the metal framework inside the statue was designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel, the famous creator of the Eiffel Tower. This must-see New York sight faces east, looking out towards Europe. In her left hand, she holds a tablet bearing the date July 4, 1776 – the day the Declaration of Independence was approved. In her right hand, she holds up a torch representing all the values associated with freedom. The broken chains at her feet represent the abolition of slavery. And the figure herself is actually Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty. See that crown she’s wearing? Those seven spikes represent the seven continents and the seven seas. Interestingly enough, the statue wasn’t always green. It was made of iron and copper, so it was more of a brownish color; it turned green over time because of oxidation. It stands on the small Liberty Island and you can actually take a ferry from the southern part of Battery Park to visit her up close. Some ferries also stop at Ellis Island just to the right of the Statue of Liberty. It’s known as the gateway to the American dream, having welcomed immigrants from all over the world. That big, castle-like building on the island houses the Immigration Museum. A must-see for those wishing to learn all about the American dream!