The Statue of Liberty

The National Parks Service has reopened Liberty Island to visitors
but access to the statue and pedestal will remain closed until further notice.
Next to the flag, it's America's most famous symbol for freedom an icon for the immigrant, Liberty Enlightening the World as it is officially titled is familiarly just the Statue of Liberty.

Join us on this PhotoTour as we go from lower Manhattan to Liberty's crown! All while picking up a little history along the way.
We begin here in Battery Park on the tip of Manhattan at this circular fortress called Castle Clinton. Built in 1811 to defend against British attacks, it now serves as the ticket and information center for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry rides.

Here inside Castle Clinton, the circular structure to your right houses the ticket booth. Visiting the statue does not require an admission fee. This ticket is for the ferry which is the only way to get to the island.
Currently, the ferry fee is $10 adults, $8 seniors, $4 children (4-12) and free for children under 4. Passing through Castle Clinton takes us to the water's edge where you wait on line for the ferry. There's no cover out there and it gets quite hot in the summer so bring your sunscreen!
Why is that guy standing up there?

He's telling you to get ready for the show!
For several years, these acrobatic entrepreneurs have been entertaining the lines of tourists with their amazing flipping feats.

They do request donations afterward and if you liked their show, why not give them a dollar from your group? These guys sure work for it!

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ferries run about every 20 to 30 minutes beginning at 9:15 am. If you are planning to include this in your itinerary, try to do it earlier, especially in the summer months. You'll find the crowds to be smaller giving you more time to spend here or elsewhere.

Boarding the ferry, there are 3 levels to it. If you're into taking photos or home video. Try and be on the right side of the boat leaving and the left side coming back. This will put you on the direction of the statue as you approach it.

If you wish to just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, head up top and grab a bench. There is seating below, too, but if it's a nice day, why not enjoy it!

Although you won't be seeing this dramatic image any longer, you get an idea of the great Manhattan vista as you head to Liberty Island.

Facing the opposite direction, everyone is anticipating that first close-up look at this famous statue seen in everything from history books to movies and television to all kinds of advertising.

No matter where in the world you are from, you're sure to have seen the Statue of Liberty at some point.

Here she is, the Statue of Liberty!

Since 1886 she has stood proudly in New York Harbor. A gift from "the French people to the American people," master sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi had originally envisioned this to be a new Wonder of the World to mark Egypt's Suez Canal. After history and politics got in the way, Bartholdi looked to America and saw the perfect gift to celebrate America's Centennial.

Liberty Island, until 1956, was called Bedloe's Island. When you debark the ferry, you'll walk past the concession building and towards a circular area with a flagpole in the center. Facing right, this is the magnificent view you'll see. Now, you could just take time to walk around the island but we're going right to the statue and get to the top!

Wow! Look at these lines! 2 lines form at either side and snake around to the front entrance. You have to wait on this line to climb the statue but not if you just want to take the elevator to the top of the pedestal.

Upon entering the base, you'll immediately notice this torch. It was the original which was replaced during the statue's major renovation in the 1980's. This base also redesigned at that time serves as the museum.
We'll visit that on our way down.

We start our ascent inside the pedestal. A staircase wraps it's way along the sides while an elevator is located in the center.

The elevator takes people to the top of the pedestal which has exits to outside platforms on several levels. This is best for people who may have trouble climbing or for people who do not want to wait on the long line.

We've made it past the first stage!
Now comes the tricky part. This corkscrew is a double staircase and you've got to watch your footing when you slowly climb on these small, triangular steps. It's definitely a good idea to wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes on this excursion.

Look around at the fantastic iron skeleton which holds together the 100 tons of copper sheeting. Does it remind you of another famous large metal structure?

It was designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, famous for his Tower which a few people have seen in Paris!
Just a few more feet to go and we're at the top! You can really see the outline of the statue in the waves of hair at this part.
(Source: http://www.nyctourist.com/liberty1.htm)