Liberty Island in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Emma Lazarus
Emma Lazarus was born into a prominent fourth generation Jewish family, one of the oldest in New York City, on July 22, 1849. Her father recognized Emma’s talent for writing at an early age and encouraged her work. In 1866, when Emma was seventeen, he privately published her first book, Poems and Translations Written Between the Ages of Fourteen and Seventeen.
Emma Lazarus would not live long enough to experience the full impact of her poem. She died in 1887 and it was not until 1903 that a bronze plaque containing the words to her sonnet was mounted at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Emma Lazarus’ famous lines caught the nation’s imagination and continues to inspire the way people think about freedom and exile today.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1886.
Location. 40° 41.39′ N, 74° 2.784′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is on Liberty Island. Marker is located on Liberty Island, near the food concession area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10004, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. “Mother of Exiles” (here, next to this marker); “The New Colossus” (here, next to this marker); Bartholdi (a few steps from this marker); The New Colossus (a few steps from this marker); New York Sculptures (a few steps from this marker); Inside the Statue (a few steps from this marker); Symbolism (a few steps from this marker); Statue Facts (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
More about this marker. A portrait of Emma Lazarus appears at the top left of the marker. The bottom contains a photograph of a crowded street in New York City.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 537 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 8, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on October 26, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.