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You will not truly believe you are in New York, until you see the magnificent Statue of Liberty. The statute was originally given to the American people as a gift from the French to celebrate America's 100th birthday in 1876. It was funded not by the French government, but by the people themselves, including a number of well-known philanthropists. The statute was intended as a symbol of independence and freedom upon its inception and it is for this which it still stands today. The statue's crown holds seven points, representing the seven continents and the seven seas, and the hope that democracy could be spread to all these areas. The statue cradles a tablet inscribed with the date "July 4, 1776", the date of the first signature of the Declaration of Independence. In 1986, the Statue of Liberty was renovated and a new gold-covered flame was added. After 2001, due to security fears, visitors were unable to climb the 354 steps to her crown and observatory. In August 2004 this ban was lifted and tourists could once more visit the interior of the statue as well as her museum. Still, perhaps the best way to view this landmark is from its exterior and there are many ways to do so. She can be viewed from the top of the Empire State Building. You might take a cruise around the statute or even better, a helicopter ride. Whatever you choose to do, do not miss the chance to see Manhattan's most famous inhabitant! |