Statue of Alexander Hamilton (Central Park) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Alexander Hamilton |
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| Artist | Carl Conrads |
| Year | 1880 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | Westerly granite |
| Subject | Alexander Hamilton |
| Location | New York City, New York, United States |
| 40°46′51.7″N 73°57′52.4″W / 40.781028°N 73.964556°W | |
This statue of Alexander Hamilton stands in Central Park in Manhattan, New York. It was made by the artist Carl Conrads. Hamilton's son, John C. Hamilton, asked Conrads to create it.
The statue was officially revealed on November 22, 1880. John C. Hamilton then gave it to New York City as a gift. Conrads used an older sculpture of Hamilton's head as a guide. This older sculpture was a bust made by Giuseppe Ceracchi.
Alexander Hamilton was an important leader in early American history. He lived nearby in Manhattan at a place called Hamilton Grange. He passed away in 1804.
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About the Alexander Hamilton Statue
The statue shows Alexander Hamilton dressed in clothes from the Colonial period. He wears a wig, a ruffled collar, and knee-length pants called knickers. He also has buckle shoes.
Hamilton's right hand is placed on his chest. His left hand holds a rolled-up document. This document rests on a stone column next to him.
Statue Details and Materials
The top part of the statue's base has thirteen stars around it. These stars represent the original thirteen American colonies. Near the bottom of the base, you can see a sword, its case (called a scabbard), and a military hat. This hat is known as a tricorne.
Carl Conrads made the statue from a strong type of stone. It is called Westerly granite. This stone was chosen because it looks nice and is very durable. It can stand up to a lot of pressure and last a long time.
Statue Dedication Ceremony
The statue was officially dedicated on November 22, 1880. It was a cold and windy day. About 500 people came to the ceremony.
Hamilton's son, John C. Hamilton, gave a short speech. He spoke to the crowd and special guests. Some guests were members of the Society of the Cincinnati. John C. Hamilton described the new statue:
Upon a base of granite rock, with a tracing of forest trees marking its central position, and facing the rising sun, is beheld the statue of my father. With reverence for his character, and valuing the sympathies of this distinguished assemblage, I present it to this great Metropolis through your Honor, its esteemed Mayor.
Speeches and Celebration
The Mayor of New York City at the time was Edward Cooper. He also gave a brief speech. Mayor Cooper praised Alexander Hamilton. He also thanked John C. Hamilton for donating the statue.
Fitting is it, my fellow-countrymen, that the statue of our illustrious townsman should stand in the chief resort of the City he adopted for his home.
Because of the bad weather, the rest of the ceremony moved indoors. It was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other speakers included Alexander Hamilton Bullock and Chauncey M. Depew. Mr. Depew's speech talked about Hamilton's roles. He spoke about Hamilton as a soldier, a financial expert, and a statesman.
Statue Inscriptions
There are words carved into the base of the statue.
On the front of the base, it says:
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PRESENTED BY |
On the left side of the base, it says:
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C. Conrads |
