Liberty Island

Arial view of Liberty Island.

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Wheelchair Accessible

Liberty Island is home of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Fort Wood. The Statue was a gift from the people of France to the people of the Untied States celebrating the friendship between the two nations. The symbolism of the Statue is ever changing.

Ranger Tours

Meet at the flag pole for a Ranger led tour, weather permitting. Tour times are posted at the flag pole and in the Information Center.

Audio Tour Liberty Island

This self-guided tour helps visitors learn about the Statue of Liberty while exploring Liberty Island.
Adult tours are available in the following languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, Japanese.

Fort Wood

The Statue of Liberty's pedestal sits atop the remains of Fort Wood, originally one link in a chain of defenses protecting New York City and its vital harbor. The fort was built between 1808 and 1811 in the shape of an eleven-pointed star and was occupied by the War Department as an army post until 1937.

The eleven-pointed star design was brought to North America by French military engineers in the 17th century. The fort acted as a lookout position with harbor guns entrenched near the shore. Many incised markings, believed to be Masonic symbols, have been found on its granite exterior walls and the surrounding lawn.

Island History

Formerly called Bedloe's Island, Liberty Island was under the control of the U.S. Lighthouse Board, then the U.S. War Department, and in 1933, became part of the National Park Service. Liberty Island is approximately 15 acres of land located in New York Harbor and is part of New York State.

Ferry off the island

Return to the dock where you arrived. The Ferry to Ellis Island and The Battery - New York, will be on your right. The Ferry to Liberty State Park, New Jersey, will be on your left.