Sir Walter Scott

Sir Walter Scott is a stone sculpture in Central Park depicting the Scottish author seated with his companion dog Maida, standing approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall. The monument sits on a decorated pedestal along the Literary Walk, surrounded by tributes to other celebrated writers.

Scottish sculptor John Steell created this monument between 1840 and 1846, with the dedication ceremony held in Central Park in 1872. The installation honored one of the 19th century's most influential literary figures.

The depiction shows the writer alongside his dog, capturing a moment of personal companionship that was valued in Victorian culture. This intimate pairing reflects how people of that era chose to memorialize their heroes.

The sculpture is located on the Literary Walk, a pedestrian path that makes it straightforward to find among other writer monuments. Exploring the area on foot allows visitors to see all nearby tributes and enjoy the park surroundings.

The entire sculpture was carved from a single block of marble, showcasing the technical mastery required in 19th-century stone carving. Any mistake during the process would have ruined the entire work, making this an achievement of remarkable precision.

Location: New York City

Inception: 1871

Creator: John Steell

Website: https://nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/monuments/1411

GPS coordinates: 40.77014,-73.97234

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:27