Statue of Liberty National Monument - Unique Places in North America

The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, New York City.
The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, New York City.

Description

The Statue of Liberty National Monument is made up of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and is situated between the American states of New York and the New Jersey. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island, and Ellis Island previously served as one of the largest immigration inspection centres in the United States. More specifically, the monument is located in the southwestern part of Battery Park, Manhattan, New York, and the eastern region of Liberty State Park at Upper New York in Jersey City, New Jersey. The National Park Service manages the monument from the National Parks of New York Harbor office.

Tourism

The Statue of Liberty National Monument has served as a popular tourist destination for decades. Since its declaration as a national monument by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924, it has attracted many visitors. Entrance to the national monument is free, but visitors are charged for ferry service, which is the only means of accessing the monument. In addition to ferry tickets, access to the pedestal area of the Statue of Liberty costs an additional fee. Tickets can also be purchased by visitors who want to climb the 154 stairs up to the crown of the statue. The tickets for access to the crown can be purchased one year in advance. Visitors climb up to the crown in groups of 10, with a daily average maximum of 240 visitors. Visitors to the crown must undergo strict security screening.

Uniqueness

The Statue of Liberty National Monument is known worldwide as a symbol of freedom, as well as an era during which many people migrated to the United States. In addition, France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States. The statue also features a poem composed by Emma Lazarus entitled, “The New Colossus.”

Habitat

The area surrounding the Statue of Liberty National Monument is a favourable environment for habitation. Weather conditions here are generally mild, with average temperatures and rainfall. However, since the monument is managed by the National Park Service, nobody is allowed to reside there.

Threats

On October 2012, the Statue of Liberty National Monument was closed due to Hurricane Sandy. Other similar extreme weather conditions have also threatened the monument. Hurricanes may also cause flooding that could destroy the monument. Furthermore, security threats have become an important issue in recent years.

Since the Statue of Liberty of National Monument is found between two states, New Jersey and New York, there has been series of debates concerning its jurisdiction.

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