Where Is Liberty Island?

Liberty Island is an island in Upper New York Bay, USA, on which the Statue of Liberty stands. The 5 - hectare (12 acres) island lies about 2.4 km (1/2 miles) southwest of Manhattan Island. Before the island was officially renamed in 1956, it was called Bedloe's island.

The people of France gave the Statue of Liberty to the people of the United States in 1884. This gift was an expression of friendship and of the idea of liberty shared by both countries. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

It stands on a pedestal that rises from within Fort Wood, whose walls were built in the shape of an 11-point star between 1806 and 1811.

There was a military post on the island until 1937. The statue of Liberty National Monument was established in 1924, but it did not include the land outside the walls of Fort Wood. The remainder of the island became part of the national monument in 1937.

The island is administered by the National Park Service. Offices and housing for National Park Services employees are located on the island. New York state has official jurisdiction over the island.

• The only way to get to Liberty Island is by using the Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island Ferry system. Private vessels are not allowed to dock at Liberty and Ellis Islands.

• Liberty Island is federal property within the territory of the State of New York even though it is closer to New Jersey.