Statue Of Liberty's Crown To Re-Open July 4 For Public

July 4, 2009 12:38 p.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - The crown of the Statue of Liberty re-opened to tourists on July 4, the U.S. Independence day, officials said.

The official said that visits to the crown and pedestal were suspended following Sept. 11, 2001 attack due to security precaution.

The pedestal was opened to public in 2004. Tourists visiting Liberty Island every year will now be able to climb up to the crown, the Interior Department said Friday.

Millions of visitors are expected to visit Lady Liberty, but the access to the crown will be limited to 10 people at a time, the reports said.

Tourists have to climb a narrow double-helix spiral staircase with 168 steps to enjoy the lookout of Manhattan Island.

The Statue was a gift from France to the U.S. in 1886. Lady Liberty's crown has seven sharp spikes representing the seven continents and seas, while her torch is a mark of enlightenment.