People Are Just Realizing What The View From The Statue Of Liberty’s Torch Looks Like — And It’s Been Closed For Over 100 Years
It's been over a century since the public was last allowed inside the torch of the Statue of Liberty.
Many people may not realize that at one time, visitors could actually climb into the torch of the Statue of Liberty and take in the breathtaking view.
The iconic statue, originally constructed in France, was shipped to New York in June 1885, where it has stood ever since as a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy.
Designed by Edouard de Laboulaye and gifted by France to the United States, the statue was meant to commemorate the centennial of American independence and celebrate the long-standing friendship between the two nations, according to the National Park Service.
Today, visitors can still book tickets to climb to the top of the statue and enjoy incredible panoramic views of New York City.
However, over a hundred years ago, people had access to an even more exclusive view—one from the statue’s torch itself.
That all changed in 1916 when the torch was permanently closed to the public, leaving only National Park Service staff with access for the purpose of maintaining the floodlights that illuminate it.
The torch’s closure was the result of a massive event known as the "Black Tom" explosion, which took place on July 30, 1916.
That night, a series of blasts erupted on Black Tom Island in New York Harbor, caused by German saboteurs who sought to disrupt American munitions shipments during World War I.
The resulting explosion was so powerful that it damaged the arm and torch of the Statue of Liberty, making them structurally unsafe for public access.
Since then, the torch has remained off-limits to visitors, and very few people have ever had the chance to see the view from its platform.
Although the public can no longer experience the view firsthand, modern technology has provided a unique way to see it.
The National Park Service has installed live cameras in the torch, offering anyone a chance to glimpse the sights from the top.
Through the EarthCam website, people can watch live streams showing views from both the torch and the crown, as well as sweeping shots of the harbor, the statue itself, and Ellis Island.
Despite the statue's famous green appearance today, many people are surprised to learn that it was originally copper-colored before oxidation changed its hue.
"Wow... First time I'm seeing from this view," one Twitter user wrote.
"Fascinating history for real," another added, while a third simply reacted with: "Wow."
Many people expressed amazement at seeing the statue from this perspective, calling it an incredible and rare view.
Others, however, pointed out how unfortunate it is that the torch remains closed to the public after all this time.
One person commented: "I never knew they had a balcony up there, it's a shame it's been closed! Must be a beautiful view from up there!"
Another questioned: "Why won't they reopen it?"
Unfortunately, despite the curiosity and demand, there are no current plans to reopen the torch for visitors.
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