The Statue of Liberty in New York opened to the public again on Independence Day.
The monument site was swamped by tidal surges during Cyclone Sandy in October. Most of Liberty Island off lower Manhattan, was deluged by the storm.
Although Lady Liberty herself was unscathed, the BBC reports railings, docks and paving stones on the island were smashed. Electrical systems, sewerage and boilers were wrecked.
Nearby Ellis Island suffered far worse in the storm and remains closed.
The BBC reports the damage to both islands has been estimated at $US59 million.
