Liberty Island

Liberty Island

Liberty Island is a tiny island in the Upper New York Bay. It is most famous for the Statue of Liberty, a tall, glowing statue that holds a torch and a book. This wonderful statue was a gift from France to the United States to celebrate a big birthday — 100 years of freedom!

Long ago, the island was called Bedloe’s Island. In 1956, the United States Congress changed its name to Liberty Island. Even though it is very close to Jersey City, New Jersey, the island is part of Manhattan, New York City.

Today, Liberty Island is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. There is a special museum on the island where visitors can see the statue’s original torch. People can take a ferry from Liberty State Park in Jersey City or the Battery in Lower Manhattan to visit this amazing place.

The island has a very interesting past. It was once called Great Oyster Island because it had many oyster beds. The Lenape people used these oysters for food. Later, Dutch settlers called it one of the Oyster Islands. Over time, the island was used for many purposes, including a place to protect New York Harbor.

Now, Liberty Island is a special place for everyone to visit and remember freedom.