Seventh Regiment Memorial

The Seventh Regiment Memorial is a bronze statue depicting a standing soldier in uniform mounted on a granite pedestal in Central Park. Architect Richard Morris Hunt designed the monument with clean lines and simple dignity to honor those who fell.

The monument was commissioned in 1867 to honor 58 members of the Seventh Regiment who died during the American Civil War. It emerged during a time when New York was grappling with how to preserve the memory of the conflict.

The soldier figure was modeled after actor Steele MacKaye wearing his actual Seventh Regiment uniform to ensure historical accuracy. This choice reflects how the monument's creators prioritized faithful representation of the soldiers they honored.

The memorial stands near the West Side of the park at 69th Street alongside the Central Park Drive. The location is easy to reach on foot and sits near other historical monuments within the park.

The original design proposal included multiple bronze figures at Warriors' Gate, but park commissioners selected a much simpler single-figure version. This choice resulted in a memorial that stands out for its understated power.

Creator: John Quincy Adams Ward

GPS coordinates: 40.77377,-73.97640

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:41