Statue of Jacob Leisler

The Statue of Jacob Leisler is a nine-foot-tall bronze sculpture depicting a man in colonial clothing holding a walking stick, standing on a square stone base. Inscriptions on the foundation provide information about his life and role in New York's past.

Solon Borglum created the statue in 1913 to honor Jacob Leisler, who governed New York from 1689 to 1691 during a period of political turmoil. His brief tenure marked a pivotal moment in the colony's early history.

The monument honors a leader who came to power through popular support rather than royal appointment. This representation reflects early democratic values that remain visible in how the community regards this historical figure.

The statue sits on public grounds and is freely accessible, allowing visitors to examine the bronze work up close and read the inscriptions from all angles. The location is easy to reach from the town center.

This is the only surviving monument to Jacob Leisler, commissioned by the Huguenot Association to mark New Rochelle's 250th anniversary. The connection to the French Protestant community that founded the city adds cultural layers to this work.