Visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty when in Eastern Part of the US is undoubtedly every foreign visitor’s delight. Meanwhile Pradeep, a friend cum host at New Jersey, decides to experience this famous bronze lady along with CRRNJ Terminal and Ellis Island. This time with you and with other Indian friend Kholi.
With a little over an hour’s drive from Pradeep’s NJ residence, we reach the pier situated at the North end of the Liberty State Park. Presumably a major transportation hub once upon a time.
You park the car and walk towards the ‘Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ Terminal). The magnificent view of New Jersey Skyline to your left looks awesome. Meanwhile the New York Harbor, Brooklyn Bridge and marvelous lower Manhattan skyline across the bay are no less attractive. And of course the colossal neoclassical sculpture – ‘The Statue of Liberty to the right is incredibly imposing.
New Jersey Skyline
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- New York Harbour
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- Brooklyn Bridge
Manhattan Skyline
Standing tall right on Island near the shore since 1886 is this incredible Ms. Liberty. Interestingly a gift to the USA by the people of France. A symbol of France’s admiration of American democratic ideal.
Greenish hue acquired by the statue supposedly is result of steady oxidation of penny brown bronze metal over time.
CRRNJ Terminal
Walking from within the CRRNJ Terminal, now deemed as the cornerstone of Liberty State Park, you purchase tickets @ $14 per person to avail the Ferry service to take you first to the nearby Ellis Islands and subsequently to the island half a mile away housing ‘The Statue of Liberty’.
CRRNJ Terminal was once regarded as the Gateway to America. In other words it was the gate-way for tens of thousands of immigrants endeavoring to enter into America between 1899-1915.
Statue Cruise
At the end of the Quay is stationed double decker ferry boat with presumed capacity to carry over 100 passengers at a time.
Post security check you quickly reach the open upper deck of Statue Cruise and place yourself in a propitious position. As a result you enable yourself for an enhanced perspective of the surroundings. A imperative for capturing compelling pictures.
As the ferry begins its journey steadily towards the Ellis Islands, you get occupied in focusing and clicking captivating landscapes. Within next 10 minutes you reach the first stop of this journey – ‘The Ellis Island Immigration Station’. This place subsequently is converted into a ‘National Museum of Immigration’.
The Ellis Island Immigration Station
From the year 1892 to 1954 this impressive Ellis Island Immigration Station was the principal immigration place in the US. Station that decided the fate of millions of anxious immigrants who aspired to make US their new home.
It is interesting to note that between 1900-1914 alone nearly 12 million immigrants stood here in queues. Consequently after enduring questions, going through medical examinations and clearing documents were they allowed to enter America.
Around 40% of today’s Americans (approx. 100 million) are presumably descendants of these immigrants .
As you enter the large hall inside, you see the gift shop on your left, right ahead is the Baggage room (where baggage’s of immigrants were stored). Walking through the hall, to your right is a decent cafeteria. Its lunch time so without much ado you quietly queue-up to buy some meals to keep-up with your energy levels.
Baggage Area
The 20.000 sq ft. registry room or a great hall as it is called under a 56 ft high ceiling on the first floor. This is where every immigrant had walk up to register themselves. If all clear, they were handed ‘Landing Card’ to facilitated their entry into USA.
File picture : Registery Room
After spending couple of hours educating yourself on this historic place, you resume your journey, towards Liberty Island – house of the incredible Statue of Liberty.
Statue of Liberty
As the ferry boat cruises from near the Island the exuberance of passengers gets palpable. The spectacular 151 ft Bronze Lady flashing torch in her right hand is now right in front of your eyes. A image that you had till day perceived only in pictures.
After spending couple of hours educating yourself on this historic place, you resume your journey, towards Liberty Island – house of the incredible Statue of Liberty.
This imposing 450000 pounds beautiful Bronze Lady sculpted by a French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi is seen towering over a 89 ft Stone pedestal that itself is placed over a 65 ft tall fort fashioned in the shape of 11 point star.
Once the boat docks at the 14,000 acre island, you walk along the constructed walkway towards the plaza.
Circling from close to the base of this gigantic phenomenon you incessantly keep clicking its pictures from various angles.
Visitors are seen engrossed taking selfies with the Lady Statue in the background apparently for posterity.
Those hungry can savor traditional American food served at the restaurant close-by. And if you feel like taking few souvenirs home, do visit the gift shop just next to it.
Museum
To know more about the history and creation of the Statue you walk up the stairs into the newly created museum located in the vicinity.
Exhibits displayed here explain the significance of each one of them. For instance the torch and the flame that once adorned the Statue (1886 -1984) are on display too.
As time passes it is now time to return. You check the return schedule of the boat and make sure to be there in time. By the time you return back it’s comparatively dark. The CRRNJ Terminal is now lit up. It looks amazing.
The skyline of NY City has changed, and changed dramatically. The glittering lights emanating from within the tall buildings of downtown Manhattan across the bay create astonishing scenery.
You don’t mind spending some extra minutes taking pictures of this delightful setting despite Pradeep’s palpable anxiety. He has organized a mini music celebration back home and wants to be there in time.
Dinner amidst meaningful Ghazals and fabled Hindi Melodies ended the day that would arguably be cherished for time to come.
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4.5
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Very well written
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Thankyou