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Statue of Liberty Centennial (0:56)

CBS News reports from New York City on the 1986 Fourth of July celebration, marking 100 years since the Statue of the Liberty was dedicated to the United States. Festivities centered around the national monument as some 30,000 vessels, ranging from canoes to the Queen Elizabeth II, crowded New York Harbor.

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Speeches & Audio (1)

  • Statue of Liberty Centennial
    Statue of Liberty Centennial

    Audio Clip (0:56)

    CBS News reports from New York City on the 1986 Fourth of July celebration, marking 100 years since the Statue of the Liberty was dedicated to the United States. Festivities centered around the national monument as some 30,000 vessels, ranging from canoes to the Queen Elizabeth II, crowded New York Harbor.

    Audio Clip (0:56)

Videos (14)

  • The Statue of Liberty
    The Statue of Liberty

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    What do the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty have in common?

    Video Clip (3:12)
  • Deconstructing History: Statue of Liberty
    Deconstructing History: Statue of Liberty

    Video Clip (1:29)

    How many steps are there to the crown of the Statue of Liberty? Find out that and other facts and figures about America's most recognizable symbol of freedom.

    Video Clip (1:29)
  • Statue of Liberty Unknown
    Statue of Liberty Unknown

    Video Clip (3:40)

    Did you know the Statue of Liberty was built to withstand hurricane-force winds with copper skin less than two pennies thick? And that's not all you may not know about this American icon.

    Video Clip (3:40)
  • Faces of America
    Faces of America

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    Prominent Americans talk about what makes America unique.

    Video Clip (2:26)
  • Detained at Ellis Island
    Detained at Ellis Island

    Video Clip (1:54)

    Immigrants detained on Ellis Island for legal or medical reasons spent a night in the Ferry Building. Hear the stories of those who lived this through unforgettable experience.

    Video Clip (1:54)
  • Arrival at Ellis Island
    Arrival at Ellis Island

    Video Clip (3:44)

    Seen from inbound ships, the Statue of Liberty was an emotional welcome for immigrants coming to America. Hear from those who remember their first glimpse of this symbol of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

    Video Clip (3:44)
  • The Ferry Building on Ellis Island
    The Ferry Building on Ellis Island

    Video Clip (2:18)

    The Ferry Building was the starting point for new Americans on Ellis Island. Those who passed inspection waited there for boats to Manhattan and New Jersey. Explore this landmark of history, now totally restored.

    Video Clip (2:18)
  • The Dark Underbelly of Ellis Island
    The Dark Underbelly of Ellis Island

    Video Clip (2:59)

    The spirit of Ellis Island is captured in Stephen Wilkes' book of photographs entitled "Ghosts of Freedom." Wilkes spent over five years photographing Ellis Island, where both of his grandparents came to America.

    Video Clip (2:59)
  • The Light of Ellis Island
    The Light of Ellis Island

    Video Clip (1:51)

    The light of Ellis Island is infused with history and emotion. Photographer Stephen Wilkes, creator of the book "Ghosts of Freedom," describes the inspiration of the many souls who passed through this historic venue.

    Video Clip (1:51)
  • Hurdles to Citizenship on Ellis Island
    Hurdles to Citizenship on Ellis Island

    Video Clip (2:05)

    The road to America passed through Ellis Island, but there were a few hurdles to clear before passage was granted. In addition to a medical exam, there was a bit of a pop quiz. Could you pass the test?

    Video Clip (2:05)
  • Taking the Citizenship Oath
    Taking the Citizenship Oath

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    The History Channel tells us what it's like to take the oath.

    Video Clip (2:09)
  • Entering Ellis Island
    Entering Ellis Island

    Video Clip (2:14)

    Footage of immigrants entering Ellis Island in 1906.

    Video Clip (2:14)
  • Ellis Island In Pictures
    Ellis Island In Pictures

    Video Clip (2:23)

    Experience Ellis Island from the viewfinder of photographer Stephen Wilkes, who spent years photo documenting the historic site.

    Video Clip (2:23)
  • Immigrants Landing at Ellis Island
    Immigrants Landing at Ellis Island

    Video Clip (1:46)

    Immigrants arrive at Ellis Island in 1903.

    Video Clip (1:46)

Photo Galleries (2)

  • New York
    New York

    10 Photos

    New York State is known for iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, as well as its diverse natural beauty.

    (10 Photos)
  • New Jersey
    New Jersey

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    History.com's state gallery for New Jersey. Learn more about the state symbols and famous landmarks.

    (8 Photos)

Interactives (3)

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Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has stood tall in New York Harbor as an international symbol of freedom and democracy.

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