It is one of the most recongizable structures in the world, and was one of the tallest in the world until the Imperial Tower was constructed in 1889. It is one of the most populous tourist destinations in the United States, with an yearly visit of 2.1 million people an year. The statue stands 305ft tall from the ground to the top of the tourch, and was the tallest structure on the planet until the Imperial tower passed it in 1889, which was later surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. The tower is the most famed symbol in New York City and the United States.