Taking Flight with Lady Liberty

What comes to mind when you think of the Statue of Liberty? 

America, freedom, democracy. Her image is immediately recognized around the world as an ambassador for the United States and icon of the American dream. 

She has been the focal point of many a celebration over the years. In several cases, the Statue of Liberty was the gracious hostess (and waypoint) for aerial races and demonstrations.  In celebration of the statues' 125th anniversary, we gathered a few images, objects, and posters that feature inspiring views of Lady Liberty in the context of flight.

Wilbur Wright Circles the Statue of Liberty Six Years After Inventing the Airplane

In 1909, for the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson entering what we now know as New York Harbor and the 100th anniversary of Robert Fulton taking a steam boat up the Hudson River, organizers wanted to do something big to celebrate. 

They contracted Wilbur Wright to make a series of flights during the two-week Hudson-Fulton Celebration. 

Wilbur Wright made a seven-minute flight on September 29, circling the Statue of Liberty. On October 4, he made a long-distance flight of more than 33 minutes and approximately 20 miles from Governor’s Island to Grant’s Tomb and back, again circling the Statue of Liberty. 

It is estimated that a million people witnessed Wright's flight up the Hudson from Governor’s Island. 

One of the First Major Flying Meeting in the United States

John Bevins Moisant flew over New York Harbor in 1910 in a Blériot XI monoplane. This flight took place during the Statue of Liberty Flight prize race on October 27, 1910. The race was the final event in one of the first major flying meetings held in the U.S., the International Aviation Tournament at Belmont Park, NY.

Representing America on Memorabilia

Lady Liberty appears frequently in memorabilia commemorating Charles Lindbergh's historic solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. On this clock, the Statue of Liberty represents New York (America) while the Eiffel Tower represents Paris (Europe) with the Spirit of St. Louis flying between them. Not to scale, of course.

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Still Generating Publicity 50+ Years After Wright's Flight

Bill Bennett played a key role in the initial development of hang gliding in the U.S. He was a spectacular promoter of the sport. 

He stirred publicity for his tow-kites when he flew near the Statue of Liberty on July 4, 1969. He released his towrope and circled the monument twice, landing at its base. Several of his gliders are in our collection. 

Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has symbolized many things: freedom, enlightenment, compassion, acceptance. What does she mean to you?

This article was originally published in 2011. It was updated in 2025. You can read the original version via the Internet Archive.