Statue of Liberty Island Size: 18 Acres, Not 12

The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The island's total area is 18 acres (7.3 hectares) — not 12 acres.

History

• Originally Bedloe's Island (named for 17th-century Dutch colonist Isaac Bedloo).
• Used for quarantine, fortification (Fort Wood, 1807–1811 — star-shaped, now the statue's base).
• Statue dedicated October 28, 1886.
• Renamed Liberty Island by 1956 Act of Congress.

Context

• Ellis Island (immigration station, 1892–1954) is adjacent — 27.5 acres (mostly artificial fill).
• Both are federal property (National Park Service).
• Access: Ferry only (Battery Park, NY / Liberty State Park, NJ).

The 12-acre figure may confuse Liberty Island with an earlier measurement or a different harbor island. The correct size is 18 acres.