General William Jenkins Worth Monument

New York City, US

General William Jenkins Worth Monument
General William Jenkins Worth Monument
Location
New York City, US
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
40.74276, -73.988974
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The General William Jenkins Worth Monument stands as a distinguished 51-foot granite obelisk in Worth Square, a prominent triangular park at the intersection of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 25th Street in Manhattan, New York City. Dedicated in 1857, this historic landmark commemorates Major General William Jenkins Worth, a distinguished American officer who served with valor in the War of 1812, the Seminole Wars, and the Mexican-American War. Designed by James Goodwin Batterson, the monument serves as the final resting place for General Worth and his wife, whose remains are interred beneath its base. As a significant historical site, it offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on American military history and is a notable point of interest among the many places to visit in New York City's Flatiron District, providing a tangible connection to the nation's past.

General information

The General William Jenkins Worth Monument stands as a distinguished 51-foot granite obelisk in Worth Square, a prominent triangular park at the intersection of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 25th Street in Manhattan, New York City. Dedicated in 1857, this historic landmark commemorates Major General William Jenkins Worth, a distinguished American officer who served with valor in the War of 1812, the Seminole Wars, and the Mexican-American War. Designed by James Goodwin Batterson, the monument serves as the final resting place for General Worth and his wife, whose remains are interred beneath its base. As a significant historical site, it offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on American military history and is a notable point of interest among the many places to visit in New York City's Flatiron District, providing a tangible connection to the nation's past.

Did you know

  • The monument is not merely a memorial; it also serves as the final resting place for General William Jenkins Worth and his wife.
  • Dedicated in 1857, it is one of New York City's oldest public monuments, predating many of the city's more famous landmarks.
  • The obelisk design, standing 51 feet tall, is a classical form often associated with ancient Egyptian monuments, symbolizing eternity and remembrance.

History

Major General William Jenkins Worth (1794–1849) had a distinguished military career spanning several conflicts, including the War of 1812, the Seminole Wars, and the Mexican-American War, where he achieved significant victories. He died of cholera in San Antonio, Texas, in 1849. Following his death, New York City undertook a public campaign to honor him. His remains were brought to New York, and a competition was held for a suitable monument. Designed by James Goodwin Batterson, the 51-foot Quincy granite obelisk was dedicated on November 25, 1857. It became the second monument in New York City to honor an individual, after the Washington Monument in Central Park, and notably contains Worth's remains, along with those of his wife.

Cultural significance

The General William Jenkins Worth Monument holds significant cultural value as a public memorial to military valor and national service in 19th-century America. Its prominent placement in Worth Square, a key urban intersection, reflects a period when honoring military heroes was a vital civic expression. The monument serves as a tangible reminder of the nation's early conflicts and the individuals who shaped its history. As a permanent fixture in the urban landscape, it contributes to the historical narrative of New York City, preserving the memory of General Worth's contributions and symbolizing the city's respect for its historical figures and their sacrifices.

Geography and landscape

The General William Jenkins Worth Monument is situated in Worth Square, a small triangular park formed by the convergence of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 25th Street in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. This urban setting places the monument at a bustling crossroads, adjacent to Madison Square Park and in the shadow of the iconic Flatiron Building. The monument's granite obelisk provides a vertical anchor within this vibrant commercial and residential area. Its location allows it to serve as a focal point, integrating historical remembrance into the daily flow of one of New York City's most architecturally significant and heavily trafficked neighborhoods.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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