The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is one of the most iconic monuments in the United States. Dedicated on October 28, 1886, the statue was a gift from the French people to commemorate the centennial of the United States Declaration of Independence and to symbolize the friendship between the two nations. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with the internal structure engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the statue represents Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty, holding a torch and a tablet inscribed with the date of American independence, July 4, 1776.

The Statue of Liberty stands 310 feet tall, including its pedestal, and is made of copper sheeting over a steel framework. The torch, covered in gold, symbolizes enlightenment and freedom, while the seven rays of the crown represent the seven continents and seven seas, signifying the universality of liberty. The statue has become a symbol of hope and welcome for immigrants arriving in the United States in search of a better life. Today, the Statue of Liberty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually.