Amiable Child Monument

The Amiable Child Monument is a memorial in Riverside Park composed of a granite urn mounted on a pedestal and surrounded by a wrought iron fence. The structure sits on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River, directly across from Grant's Tomb, and maintains a quiet presence despite its urban setting.

The monument was established in 1797 by George Pollock to honor his 5-year-old son who died from injuries after falling from nearby cliffs. The stone has remained on this spot ever since, serving as a lasting record of personal loss from that era.

The name refers to a child who died near this location in the 18th century, and the site became valued by writers and poets as a place for reflection. Visitors find here a space that expresses grief and remembrance in a deeply personal way.

The memorial is located along Riverside Drive north of 122nd Street and can be reached by a short walk from Grant's Tomb visitor center. The site is accessible year-round along the public park pathway without requiring admission or advance planning.

This stone is the only private grave on public property in New York City and has maintained its original purpose for over 200 years. This makes it an extraordinary case in city history, as such private graves are not typically permitted on public parkland.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: January 1, 1967

Inscription: Erected to the memory of an amiable child, St. Claire Pollock, died 15 July 1797, in the fifth year of his age

Made from material: stone

Website: https://nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/1206

GPS coordinates: 40.81481,-73.96317

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:52