Secrets of classic NYC: The Statue of Liberty
Mon Nov 21 2011
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Empire State Building
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Brooklyn Bridge
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New York Public Library
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Central Park
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Grand Central Terminal
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Radio City Music Hall
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Macy's
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Times Square
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The Statue of Liberty
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Lincoln Center
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Greenlight Bookstore
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The Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center
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The High Line
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The 9/11 Memorial
14 New York City secrets
The monument also known as Liberty Enlightening the World was dedicated on October 28, 1886, after decades of planning and fund-raising. It was agreed in 1875 that the French people would cover the costs of the massive copper statue, but the U.S. would be responsible for paying for the pedestal and securing a site for the tribute. The American Committee for the Statue of Liberty was formed to raise funds for the pedestal, but it soon ran out of money. Luckily, New York World publisher Joseph Pulitzer—yes, that Pulitzer—turned efforts around by printing the names of every person who contributed to the fund in his newspaper. Donations poured in, most of which totaled less than a dollar each. Today you can see an iron statue of Pulitzer at the walkway near the left entrance to the statue, one of five pieces commemorating individuals who helped bring Lady Liberty to our shores. Liberty Island (212-363-3200, nps.gov/stli)
