The Statue of Liberty: Located in New York Harbor, on Liberty Island (Federal Land, Not NJ)

Let's clear a persistent confusion: The Statue of Liberty is in New York City — specifically, on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. But the island's jurisdiction surprises many.

The Jurisdiction Reality

• Liberty Island is federal land — owned by the U.S. government, administered by the National Park Service.
• It is NOT part of New Jersey. The island lies on the New York side of the state boundary (which runs down the Hudson River's center).
• Ellis Island (nearby) IS split — original 3.3 acres = NY; 24.2 acres of landfill = NJ (1998 Supreme Court ruling).

Why the NJ Myth Persists

• The statue is closer to NJ (2,000 ft) than to Manhattan (1.5 mi).
• Ferries depart from both Liberty State Park (Jersey City, NJ) and Battery Park (Manhattan, NY).
• New Jersey license plates feature the statue.
• The statue faces southeast — toward the Atlantic, not NYC.

Key Facts

• Dedicated: October 28, 1886
• Height: 305 ft (93 m) ground to torch tip
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1984
• Visitors: 4.5M/year (pre-COVID)
• Access: Statue Cruises ferries only (reserve crown tickets 6+ months ahead)

The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island, federal territory in New York waters. New Jersey gets the view, the ferries, and the license plates — but not the deed.