Prominently situated at a scenic point overlooking the Hudson, this Doric-style monument is one of the largest granite columns in the world. Standing an incredible 46 feet (that’s close to five stories tall), the soaring statue rests on an octagonal plateau with a base of granite at each of its eight corners. Each base supports a large granite ball and two bronze cannons that are inscribed with the names of more than 2,200 Union Army soldiers who were killed during the Civil War. A female figure, representing fame, sits atop the column and completes the memorial.
The imposing shrine was designed by noted architect Stanford White (the man behind sites such as Mills Mansion, the Washington Square Arch, and the original Penn Station and Madison Square Garden) and was financed by monthly donations from officers and soldiers of the Regular Army. The memorial was officially dedicated on May 30, 1897 by surviving Civil War veterans.
This nationally acknowledged memorial is located on the grounds of an equally famous National Historic Landmark. The site was first established by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and is now home to a world-class center for higher learning. Local residents — as well as tourists from throughout the world — visit this institution to hear live music, cheer at sports events, watch theater productions, stay in its hotel, or simply explore its history.
Do you know where this record-setting memorial is located? Send us your answer as a comment in the box below. The first reader with the correct response wins a prize. Good luck!
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