General William Jenkins Worth Monument, Granite obelisk monument in Worth Square, Manhattan, United States
The General Worth Monument is a granite obelisk that rises 40 feet in Worth Square at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The structure bears detailed inscriptions about General Worth and sits within a decorative cast-iron fence.
The monument was dedicated in 1857 to honor General William Jenkins Worth, a decorated military officer who fought in the Mexican-American War and later commanded West Point. His service shaped him into one of the era's most recognized military leaders.
During the late 1800s, Columbia University students made this monument the starting point for their annual graduation parades and celebrations. The location became a gathering place tied to the university's traditions.
The monument sits on a busy public square where pedestrians can easily view it from multiple angles and read the inscriptions. The surrounding area is highly accessible, making it simple to walk around the base and examine the details.
The bronze fence surrounding the monument is designed to replicate the Congressional Sword of Honor that General Worth received in 1847 for his military achievements. Most visitors overlook this clever design detail hidden in plain sight.
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