Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a HUGE statue of a woman holding a torch high in the air. She stands on an island in New York Harbor, and she's a symbol of freedom and friendship. She was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States. Think of her as a giant welcome sign for everyone coming to America by sea!

This amazing statue wasn't built in America. It was made in France, piece by piece! It was then taken apart and shipped across the ocean in lots of crates. Once it arrived, workers put it all back together on a big pedestal. It took a long time and a lot of hard work to build her, but she was finally ready to greet visitors.

Lady Liberty wears a crown with seven spikes, which represent the seven continents and seven seas. In one hand, she holds a tablet with the date July 4, 1776, written on it, which is when America declared its independence. Her other hand holds a torch that used to light up the harbor! She's so big, her index finger is as long as a school bus!

For many years, when people sailed to America, the Statue of Liberty was the first thing they saw. She represented hope and a new beginning. Many immigrants arriving in America felt excited and safe seeing her. She reminds us that America is a place where people can come to find freedom and opportunity.