Few landmarks symbolize New York City and the United States more than the Statue of Liberty. Every year, millions of visitors travel from across America and around the world hoping to stand beneath Lady Liberty and experience one of the nation’s greatest symbols of freedom. During the federal government shutdown of January 2018, however, those dreams were temporarily put on hold as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island were forced to close, leaving thousands of disappointed visitors at Battery Park.
Statue of Liberty. Public Domain Image, Wiki Images
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. Taking it one step further, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most visited landmarks in the United States and one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of freedom. People from across America and every corner of the globe spend months, and sometimes years, planning a visit to New York City with Lady Liberty at the top of their itinerary.
A Once In A Lifetime Trip Interrupted
Imagine living in France and spending the past fifteen years setting aside a little money each month to bring your family to New York City. Perhaps you live in Colorado, New Mexico, California, or somewhere even farther away. Maybe flying is too expensive, so you pack up the family car and drive across the country instead.
Finally, after years of planning, you arrive in New York City during a cold weekend in January 2018. Cameras are ready, excitement is building, and your family heads to Battery Park to catch the ferry to Liberty Island. You have spent your entire life seeing photographs of the Statue of Liberty and hearing stories about what it represents.
Then, just as you approach the ferry entrance, you see a large sign overhead.
SERVICE ADVISORY, GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Statue of Liberty Closed
There are few words that can describe the disappointment that follows. Parents look at their children, children look back at their parents, and a trip that may have taken years to plan suddenly changes in an instant. Their opportunity to visit one of the world’s greatest symbols of freedom has been interrupted by a political stalemate hundreds of miles away in Washington.
The Human Cost Of A Government Shutdown
This article was written during the shutdown, reflecting the frustration many New Yorkers and visitors felt at the time. Regardless of political affiliation, thousands of families found themselves unable to visit one of America’s most treasured landmarks because elected officials could not reach an agreement. While both political parties argued over responsibility, visitors, tourism workers, and local businesses experienced the immediate consequences.
The closure also affected hundreds of employees who worked at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the ferry operations that serve both monuments. Local businesses throughout Lower Manhattan likewise felt the economic impact as thousands of daily visitors altered their plans.
New York City Still Had Plenty To Offer
Fortunately, New York City offers no shortage of remarkable attractions. Visitors who suddenly found their Statue of Liberty plans canceled could still spend time exploring places such as Macy’s Herald Square, Times Square, Broadway, Grand Central Terminal, and countless museums, neighborhoods, and restaurants throughout the city.
Still, for many travelers, no substitute could truly replace finally seeing the Statue of Liberty up close. For families who had waited years for that moment, the closure became an unforgettable part of their New York experience.
Related Classic New York History Articles
Continue exploring New York City’s iconic landmarks with our articles on the Flatiron Building, Grand Central Terminal, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Times Square.
Article updated June 28 2026
