The statue, a gift from France in 1886, is an icon of America and of New York. For many immigrants to the U.S. between 1892 and all the way through 1954, the statue was the first thing they saw as their ships entered New York Harbor before they began their journey to becoming citizens.

Though it has long served as a symbol of New York and once even appeared on New York State license plates, it's actually located on an island much closer to the mainland of New Jersey.

Tourists today can take a ferry to the island to see the statue up close. Since September 11th, 2001, the statues crown has been closed to visitors, but you can expect it to reopen in July of 2009.