The Statue of Liberty: Still Standing on Liberty Island Since 1886

The Statue of Liberty has never moved. Since its dedication on October 28, 1886, it has stood on Liberty Island (formerly Bedloe's Island) in New York Harbor, welcoming millions of immigrants and visitors.

Quick Facts

• Official name: Liberty Enlightening the World
• Designer: Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
• Engineer: Gustave Eiffel (internal framework)
• Height (statue): 151 ft (46 m)
• Height (pedestal to torch): 305 ft (93 m)
• Gift from: People of France to the United States
• Renovations: Major restoration 1984–1986 (centennial); torch replaced 1986; access upgrades ongoing.

Island History

• 1800: US government acquires Bedloe's Island for fortifications (Fort Wood).
• 1886: Statue erected atop Fort Wood's star-shaped walls.
• 1924: Declared National Monument.
• 1956: Island renamed Liberty Island.
• 1965: Ellis Island added to monument.

The statue has survived hurricanes, lightning strikes, blackouts, and 9/11—its torch still lifted beside the "golden door."