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Statue of Liberty National Monument Aerial of Liberty Island circa - 1930's
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Statue of Liberty National Monument
History & Culture

The history of the Statue of Liberty is the story of more than a simple monument. It is the story of a living symbol of freedom to millions of people throughout the world.

The island she stands upon has a story of its own, stretching through centuries of use since Native Americans fished for oysters off its shores.

The links above and below will take you to these stories and introduce you to the people and places related to the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island.

Who were the PEOPLE behind the Statue? Learn about the designers, builders, and others instrumental in the creation of the Statue of Liberty.

Our STORIES will tell you about how the meaning of the Statue of Liberty has evolved since its dedication in 1886, including The French Connection, Abolition, The Immigrant's Statue, War and Liberty, and Popular and Commercial Culture.

Find a timeline of Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty at Liberty Island: A Chronology.

You'll findĀ Additional Resources pertaining to theĀ park's history here.

How long is Lady Liberty's index finger? STATUE STATISTICS will fill you in on this and many other vital statistics!

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View of statue with harbor in background

Did You Know?
Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi placed his Statue on a federally owned island called "Bedloe's" in New York Harbor. His original concept was to place a statue of a woman at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869.

Last Updated: February 07, 2012 at 13:10 MST