Liberty Island

Liberty Island is a small island in New York Harbor that now serves entirely as a park surrounding the Statue of Liberty. Paved walkways loop around the central monument while lawns and low stone walls line the waterfront.

The island served as a military fort in the early 19th century before becoming home to the French gift to the United States, dedicated in 1886. The old star-shaped fortification remains visible as part of the pedestal supporting the monument.

The site changed its name from Bedloe's Island to Liberty Island officially only in 1956, making the connection with the monument explicit. People from around the world gather on the open grounds to take photographs and watch the Manhattan skyline across the water.

Tickets for the crossing should be booked online in advance, as spaces are limited and can fill quickly during peak season. A visit typically takes several hours including arrival, exploration, and the ferry ride back.

The island lies entirely in New Jersey waters but belongs legally to New York due to colonial surveys from the 17th century. This unusual border arrangement led to disputes between the two states over the centuries, only formally settled in later agreements.