The 7th Regiment Memorial is a striking sculpture which is displayed in New York City’s Central Park. This sculpture is crafted from bronze and it was created by John Quincy Adams Ward. This famous outdoor sculpture was made during 1869 and it was added to Central Park during early summer of 1874. Today, we’d like to share some facts about this elegant design, which many people look for while they are enjoying the Big Apple’s myriad Central Park attractions.
This sculpture is definitely a symbol of bravery and courage. By sharing facts about the sculpture’s history, we wish to show you why it has so much meaning, resonance and power. As well, as art alone, it is truly something special. It was created by a master sculptor with a gift for capturing human expression and anatomy. The soldier’s expression is stoic and accepting, yet slightly grim. He stands, gazing out at the horizon, as he rests his hands upon his rifle. There is a sadness and wistfulness about him, as well as a quiet masculinity. He is doing his duty and his jaw is set as he prepares for what’s ahead. The sculpture captures many emotional nuances via expression and body language. It has a haunting quality which illustrates the emotional toll of war.
Now that we’ve talked about who made this sculpture, where to find it and what it looks like, let’s delve further into its history.
This Statue Honours Fallen Soldiers
This statue is located by the entrance at 69th Street and Central Park West. Statue honour members of the 7th Regiment who lost their lives fighting for the Union during the Civil War. All told, fifty-eight members of this regiment died in battle. Other regiment soldiers and officers chipped in order to raise the money to pay the artist for his work.
The sculpture bears an inscription which reads, “the Seventh Regiment Memorial of 1861-1865”. This dedication appears on the east side, whereas two sides of the design (the north and south) bear a different description, which details the number of soldiers who lost their lives. Each side of the statue’s base has a trophy cast in bronze which features a Latin phrase associated with the regiment. The phrase translates to “for country and glory”. You’ll find this sculpture above Tavern on the Green. This sculpture has always been in the same location in the park.
About the 7th Regiment
This famous regiment was formed way back in 1806. It started as a militia unit. The regiment protected the Big Apple’s harbour as the War of 1812 raged onwards and its brave soldiers were able to decrease the ill effects of a variety of riots in the city. Afterwards, the regiment contributed to the Civil War effort and also participated in WWI and WWII.
During World War I, this regiment was christened the 107th. The service of the 107th is revered via another monument, which is found at Fifth Avenue and East 67th.
The man who designed Central Park was named Frederick Law Olmstead and he offered the sculptor ideas about which pose the solider, whose hands are resting upon his rifle, should have. Ward displayed his sculpture in summer of 1874, during the statue’s dedication. Originally, this piece of resonant and meaningful art was meant to be placed at the Warrior’s Gate in the North part of the park, near 7th Avenue. Today, it rests in a different location which was chosen by the park’s designer.
It’s possible to access the sculpture on foot or via a pedicab tour. It’s definitely well worth seeing if you’re planning a visit to Central Park. Looking at it will help you to contemplate just how the members of this regiment lived and died. Honouring our brave soldiers keeps their spirits alive. When you visit, you may find others taking pictures of this statue and paying their respects. It is beautiful and its touching depiction of a solider in a rare moment of rest is truly unforgettable.
More Facts about This Sculpture
This statue rests on a pedestal and it features four roundels crafted from bronze. The statue itself is made from a combination of bronze and Barre granite. It was cast at the R. Wood & Co. Foundry in Philadelphia and its fabricator is Casoni & Isolate, in New York. The statue measures over twenty-one feet in height, has a width of over ten feet and a depth of over ten feet. It was donated by the National Guard of the 7th Regiment.
Without our brave soldiers, we might not enjoy the freedoms and pleasures that we are able to enjoy today. These courageous souls put their lives on the line and paid the ultimate price in order to secure our freedoms and a better society for future generations. When the Civil War was won, the dark age of American slavery began to recede. A brighter future which safeguarded equality for all races was on the horizon. For this reason, paying tribute to the 7th regiment, by seeing this statue within the park and paying your respects, may be very fulfilling and poignant.
Few have to risk their lives or give their lives as the members of the 7th regiment did. This kind of courage is heroic. Fortunately, this beautiful sculpture does justice to the bravery of 7th regiment soldiers. To learn more about The 7th Regiment sign up on our pedicab tours in Central Park.