The duration required to visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is approximately 6 to 7 hours. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the last boat departure time from the Statue of Liberty, which is at 4:30 PM. In total, you need to walk about 9000 steps to cover Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
There are two points in New York to board the boat to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty: Liberty State Park and Battery Park. We chose to board the boat at Liberty State Park. The parking fee for the day was $7, which we paid upon arrival. We used our pre-purchased tickets, priced at $25, granting us access to the boat, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, which is 195 feet tall. We opted against purchasing the ‘Crown ticket,’ which provides access to the statue’s crown.
The vessel set sail at 12:00 PM and reached Ellis Island in roughly 25 minutes. The area was teeming with visitors, a considerable number of whom seemed to be residents of the vicinity. Nearby lies the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, an important historical site in the story of America’s growth and settlement. It is praiseworthy that the American government has created a substantial and educational museum at this site. We finished this museum in 2.5 hours and boarded the connecting boat to the Statue of Liberty.
This museum is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the diverse composition of the American populace. I have covered this museum in my blog at Ellis Island: through Americas Gate.
At 3:30 PM, the same vessel set sail from Ellis Island, taking roughly 15 to 20 minutes to arrive at Liberty Island. After disembarking, we walked approximately 0.5 kilometers to the designated location, where we placed our backpacks in complimentary lockers. Subsequently, we made our way to the elevator that took us to the museum situated on the first floor of the pedestal. The museum, which is dedicated to the statue, is quite extensive, providing insights into the history of its designer, the design process, and the construction of the statue itself.
After our visit to the museum, we ascended approximately 25 steps to reach the second pedestal. From this vantage point, we enjoyed stunning views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, and nearby islands, as well as boats navigating the river. The brisk winds invigorated us, enhancing our experience and providing a spectacular backdrop for photographs.
The exploration of the statue reached its conclusion at this stage, as we had not acquired tickets for the Crown, which necessitated ascending an additional 165 narrow steps. The vistas from the second pedestal adequately fulfilled our photographic requirements. After approximately thirty minutes in this vicinity, we utilized the elevator to return to the ground floor.
It was now the moment to appreciate the statue from an external perspective and examine its visage. A well-structured pathway encircles the statue, providing visitors the opportunity to pose for photographs. Many people were taking selfies and videos, comprising both casual and professional photographers. A variety of birds were also in attendance, presumably anticipating food from the guests. Regrettably, we found ourselves with at least one hour less than necessary to thoroughly admire the statue and indulge in a quality dining experience. This oversight is regrettable, and we wish we had set aside more time for our visit.
History of the Statue of Liberty
A large museum is situated on the pedestal, dedicated to exploring the history surrounding the conception and construction of the statue.
In 1865, Edouard de Laboulaye, a French political thinker, proposed the idea of creating a monument to honor the centennial of the Declaration of Independence during a dinner gathering. He envisioned this monument as a tribute to the United States, recognized as a global champion of liberty, and aimed to inspire the French to pursue democracy in their own country while also celebrating the enduring friendship between America and France. It is important to recall that France played a crucial role in assisting the United States in achieving independence from Britain during the American Revolutionary War. The statue was to be funded through public contributions from France, while the pedestal was to be financed by American citizens. However, the project faced challenges when American contributions fell short of covering the pedestal’s costs. The statue was designed by Auguste Bartholdi, who had previously constructed the lighthouse at the entrance of the Suez Canal, featuring a towering female figure adorned in robes and holding a torch aloft. This Suez project marked the initial phase in the design process of the Statue of Liberty, highlighting similarities between the two structures.
Standing at 151 feet tall and composed of copper weighing 28.12 metric tonnes, the statue posed significant engineering challenges due to its weight, unique shape, off-balance arm, and the strong winds of New York Harbor. To address these difficulties, Bartholdi collaborated with the renowned engineer Gustave Eiffel, who developed an innovative support system. Beneath the calm and classical visage of Bartholdi’s Liberty, some observers have discerned the stoic features of Bartholdi’s mother, leaving the
artist’s true intentions somewhat enigmatic. The Statue of Liberty is a rich tapestry of traditional symbols reinterpreted to convey new significance. Her classical appearance and flowing garments evoke the image of a Roman Goddess of Liberty; the broken chains signify newly attained freedom; and the radiant crown symbolizes her illumination of the seven seas and continents. The tablet she holds, inscribed with the Roman numerals “July 4, 1776,” identifies her as a symbol of American freedom, law, and justice.
Epilogue
A visit to New York is not truly complete without experiencing this location.
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