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Coordinates: 40°40′22″N 73°58′11″W / 40.6729°N 73.9698°W / 40.6729; -73.9698
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| other_name = Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
| other_name = Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
| image = Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch.jpg
| image = Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = The arch as seen from the south end of Grand Army Plaza
| caption = The arch as seen from the south end of Grand Army Plaza
| locmapin = USA New York City
| locmapin = USA New York City
| map_relief =
| map_relief =
| map_width =
| map_width =
| map_caption = Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch location in [[Brooklyn]]
| map_caption = Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch location in [[Brooklyn]]
| coordinates = {{coord|40.6729|-73.9698|region:US-NY_type:landmark|format=dec|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|40.6729|-73.9698|region:US-NY_type:landmark|format=dec|display=inline,title}}
| coord_ref =
| coord_ref =
| type = [[American Civil War]] memorial
| type = [[American Civil War]] memorial
| location = [[Grand Army Plaza]]<br />[[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], U.S.
| location = [[Grand Army Plaza]]<br />[[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], U.S.
| area =
| area =
| elevation = {{convert|135|ft}}
| elevation = {{convert|135|ft}}
| height = {{convert|80|ft}}
| height = {{convert|80|ft}}
Line 24: Line 24:
| built = {{start date|1889}}–{{end date|1892}}
| built = {{start date|1889}}–{{end date|1892}}
| built_for = [[Union Army]]
| built_for = [[Union Army]]
| original_use =
| original_use =
| demolished =
| demolished =
| rebuilt =
| rebuilt =
| restored = 1976; 2023–2024
| restored = 1976; 2023–2024
| restored_by =
| restored_by =
| current_use =
| current_use =
| architect = [[John H. Duncan]]
| architect = [[John H. Duncan]]
| sculptor = [[Frederick MacMonnies]] (sculptures), [[Philip Martiny]] (spandrels)
| sculptor = [[Frederick MacMonnies]] (sculptures), [[Philip Martiny]] (spandrels)
| architecture =
| architecture =
| visitors_num =
| visitors_num =
| visitors_year =
| visitors_year =
| visitors_ref =
| visitors_ref =
| owner = [[Government of New York City|City of New York]]
| owner = [[Government of New York City|City of New York]]
| website = {{URL|http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/grand-army-plaza/monuments/1463}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/grand-army-plaza/monuments/1463}}
| designation1 = New York City Landmark
| designation1 = New York City Landmark
| designation1_date = {{start date|1973|10|16}}
| designation1_date = {{start date|1973|10|16}}
| delisted1_date =
| delisted1_date =
| designation1_partof =
| designation1_partof =
| designation1_number = 0821<ref>{{cite web|title=Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, October 1973|url=http://www.neighborhoodpreservationcenter.org/db/bb_files/SOLDIERS---ARCH.pdf|website=Neighborhood Preservation Center|publisher=Landmarks Preservation Commission|accessdate=21 March 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170749/http://www.neighborhoodpreservationcenter.org/db/bb_files/SOLDIERS---ARCH.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| designation1_number = 0821<ref>{{cite web|title=Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, October 1973|url=http://www.neighborhoodpreservationcenter.org/db/bb_files/SOLDIERS---ARCH.pdf|website=Neighborhood Preservation Center|publisher=Landmarks Preservation Commission|accessdate=21 March 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170749/http://www.neighborhoodpreservationcenter.org/db/bb_files/SOLDIERS---ARCH.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
}}


The '''Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch''' is a [[triumphal arch]] at [[Grand Army Plaza]] in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], U.S.. Designed by [[John Hemenway Duncan]] and built from 1889 to 1892, the arch is dedicated to [[American Civil War]] veterans. The arch is made of granite and measures {{convert|80|ft}} tall, with an archway opening measuring {{Convert|50|ft}} tall and {{convert|35|ft}} wide. The arch also includes [[Spandrel|spandrels]] by [[Philip Martiny]], equestrian [[Bas relief|bas-reliefs]] by [[Thomas Eakins]] and [[William Rudolf O'Donovan]], and three sculptural groups by [[Frederick MacMonnies]]. It is one of New York City's three major [[Triumphal arch|triumphal arches]].
The '''Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch''' is a [[triumphal arch]] at [[Grand Army Plaza]] in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], United States. Designed by [[John Hemenway Duncan]] and built from 1889 to 1892, the arch is dedicated to [[American Civil War]] veterans. The arch is made of granite and measures {{convert|80|ft}} tall, with an archway opening measuring {{Convert|50|ft}} tall and {{convert|35|ft}} wide. The arch also includes [[spandrel]]s by [[Philip Martiny]], equestrian [[Bas relief|bas-reliefs]] by [[Thomas Eakins]] and [[William Rudolf O'Donovan]], and three sculptural groups by [[Frederick MacMonnies]]. It is one of New York City's three major [[triumphal arch]]es.


The lowest portion of the arch is made of Quincy granite, above which is lighter-colored granite. There are four pedestals, two each facing north and south; the northern pedestals are empty, while the southern pedestals contain sculptural groups by MacMonnies, depicting the [[United States Army]] and [[United States Navy]]. The bas-reliefs within the archway opening depict [[Abraham Lincoln]] and [[Ulysses S. Grant]] on horseback, and the archway opening has a [[coffered ceiling]]. The spandrels above the arch contain representations of victory, as well as symbols of New York state and Brooklyn. On the roof is an observation deck and a [[quadriga]], also designed by MacMonnies. Inside are stairways to the observation deck, as well as a room just beneath the roof.
The lowest portion of the arch is made of Quincy granite, above which is lighter-colored granite. There are four pedestals, two each facing north and south; the northern pedestals are empty, while the southern pedestals contain sculptural groups by MacMonnies, depicting the [[United States Army]] and [[United States Navy]]. The bas-reliefs within the archway opening depict [[Abraham Lincoln]] and [[Ulysses S. Grant]] on horseback, and the archway opening has a [[coffered ceiling]]. The spandrels above the arch contain representations of victory, as well as symbols of New York state and Brooklyn. On the roof is an observation deck and a [[quadriga]], also designed by MacMonnies. Inside are stairways to the observation deck, as well as a room just beneath the roof.


After the [[American Civil War]], the then-independent city of [[Brooklyn]] planned a grand memorial to [[Union Army]] soldiers, though no major monument was built for two decades. The arch was proposed in 1888, and Duncan was selected as the arch's designer following an [[architectural design competition]]. The cornerstone of the arch was laid on October 30, 1889, and the arch was dedicated on October 21, 1892. Additional sculptures and bas-reliefs were installed over the following decade. The arch was used for various events during the 20th century and was designated as a [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|New York City landmark]] in 1973. The arch has been renovated several times over the years, including in 1980 and 2023–2024.
After the [[American Civil War]], the then-independent city of [[Brooklyn]] planned a grand memorial to [[Union Army]] soldiers, though no major monument was built for two decades. The arch was proposed in 1888, and Duncan was selected as the arch's designer following an [[architectural design competition]]. The cornerstone of the arch was laid on October 30, 1889, and the arch was dedicated on October 21, 1892. Additional art was installed over the following decade. The arch was used for various events during the 20th century and was designated as a [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|New York City landmark]] in 1973. The arch has been renovated several times over the years, including in 1980 and 2023–2024.


== Description ==
== Description ==
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is at the southern end of [[Grand Army Plaza]] in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], U.S., just north of the entrance to [[Prospect Park (Brooklyn)|Prospect Park]]. Designed by [[John H. Duncan]] and completed in 1892,<ref name="BD p. 32">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|p=32}}</ref><ref name="Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch g208">{{cite web |title=Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch : NYC Parks |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/B040/monuments/1463 |access-date=June 24, 2024 |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation}}</ref> the arch was built as an [[American Civil War]] memorial.<ref name="n150297771">{{Cite news |last=Colford |first=Paul |date=1983-11-01 |title=A New Life for the Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-new-life-for-the-arch/150297771/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=112, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-life-for-the-arch/150297727/ 113]}}</ref><ref name="NYCL-0821" /> It is one of New York City's three major [[Triumphal arch|triumphal arches]], along with the [[Washington Square Arch]] and the [[Manhattan Bridge Arch and Colonnade]].<ref name="n150297771" /><ref name="nyt-2006-08-13">{{Cite news |last=Pollak |first=Michael |date=2006-08-13 |title=Show Must Go on, Sometime |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/nyregion/thecity/13fyi.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> As built, the arch was surrounded by granite posts connected by a bronze chain.<ref name="The Monumental News x506">{{cite magazine |year=1896 |title=Quadriga for Memorial Arch, Brooklyn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8Mc7AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA623 |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Monumental News |publisher=R.J. Haight |page=623 |issue=v. 8}}</ref>
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is at the southern end of [[Grand Army Plaza]] in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], U.S., just north of the entrance to [[Prospect Park (Brooklyn)|Prospect Park]]. Designed by [[John H. Duncan]] and completed in 1892,<ref name="BD p. 32">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|p=32}}</ref><ref name="Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch g208">{{cite web |title=Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch : NYC Parks |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/B040/monuments/1463 |access-date=June 24, 2024 |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation}}</ref> the arch was built as an [[American Civil War]] memorial.<ref name="n150297771">{{Cite news |last=Colford |first=Paul |date=1983-11-01 |title=A New Life for the Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-new-life-for-the-arch/150297771/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=112, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-life-for-the-arch/150297727/ 113]}}</ref><ref name="NYCL-0821" /> It is one of New York City's three major [[triumphal arch]]es, along with the [[Washington Square Arch]] and the [[Manhattan Bridge Arch and Colonnade]].<ref name="n150297771" /><ref name="nyt-2006-08-13">{{Cite news |last=Pollak |first=Michael |date=2006-08-13 |title=Show Must Go on, Sometime |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/nyregion/thecity/13fyi.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> As built, the arch was surrounded by granite posts connected by a bronze chain.<ref name="The Monumental News x506">{{cite magazine |year=1896 |title=Quadriga for Memorial Arch, Brooklyn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8Mc7AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA623 |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Monumental News |publisher=R.J. Haight |page=623 |issue=v. 8}}</ref>


Including abutments on either side of the archway opening, the arch measures {{convert|80|ft}} tall, with a footprint of {{Convert|80|by|50|ft}}. The interior of the arched opening is 50 feet tall and {{convert|35|ft}} wide.<ref name="BD p. 32" /><ref name="Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch g208" /><ref name="n150356808">{{Cite news |last=Downing |first=John J. |date=1933-07-19 |title=Many Works of Art to Be Found in Prospect Park Recent Survey Reveals |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-many-works-of-a/150356808/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=34}}</ref> At the top of the arch, the abutments narrow in thickness from 50 feet to {{Convert|25|ft}}.<ref name="n150356808" />{{efn|During the arch's construction, contemporary media sources wrote that the structure was {{Convert|71|ft}} tall, 80 feet wide, and {{Convert|45|ft}} long. In addition, the archway opening was cited as {{Convert|48.5|ft}} tall by {{Convert|37|ft}} wide,<ref name="p94738310"/><ref name="p573586275"/> and the abutments were cited as {{Convert|26|ft}} wide.<ref name="n78219441"/>}} When the arch was completed, the top of the arch was around {{Convert|225|ft}} above sea level. Visitors originally could see as far as [[Long Island]] to the east, [[The Palisades (Hudson River)|the Palisades]] to the north, the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and [[Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey|Atlantic Highlands]] to the south, and the [[Watchung Mountains|Orange Mountains]] to the west.<ref name="p573734028">{{cite news |date=18 Sep 1892 |title=The Triumphal Arch: Memorial to the Dead Soldiers and Sailors of the City Completion of Work Upon a Noble Structure--the Sum of $250,000 Expended |work=New-York Tribune |page=19 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573734028}}}}</ref>
Including abutments on either side of the archway opening, the arch measures {{convert|80|ft}} tall, with a footprint of {{Convert|80|by|50|ft}}. The interior of the arched opening is 50 feet tall and {{convert|35|ft}} wide.<ref name="BD p. 32" /><ref name="Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch g208" /><ref name="n150356808">{{Cite news |last=Downing |first=John J. |date=1933-07-19 |title=Many Works of Art to Be Found in Prospect Park Recent Survey Reveals |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-many-works-of-a/150356808/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=34}}</ref> At the top of the arch, the abutments narrow in thickness from 50 feet to {{Convert|25|ft}}.<ref name="n150356808" />{{efn|During the arch's construction, contemporary media sources wrote that the structure was {{Convert|71|ft}} tall, 80 feet wide, and {{Convert|45|ft}} long. In addition, the archway opening was cited as {{Convert|48.5|ft}} tall by {{Convert|37|ft}} wide,<ref name="p94738310"/><ref name="p573586275"/> and the abutments were cited as {{Convert|26|ft}} wide.<ref name="n78219441"/>}} When the arch was completed, the top of the arch was around {{Convert|225|ft}} above sea level. Visitors originally could see as far as [[Long Island]] to the east, [[The Palisades (Hudson River)|the Palisades]] to the north, the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and [[Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey|Atlantic Highlands]] to the south, and the [[Watchung Mountains|Orange Mountains]] to the west.<ref name="p573734028">{{cite news |date=18 Sep 1892 |title=The Triumphal Arch: Memorial to the Dead Soldiers and Sailors of the City Completion of Work Upon a Noble Structure—the Sum of $250,000 Expended |work=New-York Tribune |page=19 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573734028}}}}</ref>


=== Design ===
=== Design ===
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[[File:'Lincoln and Grant', bronze sculptures by William Rudolf O'Donovan (men) & Thomas Eakins (horses), 1893-1894, Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, New York City.JPG|thumb|left|Lincoln and Grant bas-reliefs]]
[[File:'Lincoln and Grant', bronze sculptures by William Rudolf O'Donovan (men) & Thomas Eakins (horses), 1893-1894, Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, New York City.JPG|thumb|left|Lincoln and Grant bas-reliefs]]


The underside of the arched opening has a [[Coffer|coffered ceiling]],<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="n78219441" /> and there are [[Rosette (design)|rosettes]] at the center of each coffer.<ref name="n78219441" /> The interior walls of the archway opening have equestrian bas-reliefs of [[Abraham Lincoln]] and [[Ulysses S. Grant]].<ref name="n78219441" /><ref name="AIA">{{Cite AIA4 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=t0gj61QSgk8C&pg=PA723 668]}}</ref> The reliefs bear the dates 1893–1894,<ref name="n150356808" /> even though they were installed in 1895.<ref name="n150356808" /><ref name="AIA" /> They were sculpted by [[Thomas Eakins]], who designed the horses, and [[William Rudolf O'Donovan]], who designed the riders.<ref name="n80388906">{{Cite news |date=1895-10-05 |title=Grant and Lincoln |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-grant-and-lincoln/80388906/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=7}}</ref><ref name="BD p. 36">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|page=36}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1899-02-12" />{{efn|One source incorrectly attributes the bas-reliefs to [[Maurice J. Power]].<ref name="The Monumental News x506"/>}} The Lincoln relief is the only artwork in a New York City park where Lincoln is depicted on horseback,<ref name="nyt-2004-04-04">{{Cite news |last=Pollak |first=Michael |date=2004-04-04 |title=F.Y.I. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/04/nyregion/fyi-051128.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> as well as one of two artworks of Lincoln on horseback that are known to exist.<ref name="p1616156145">{{Cite news |last=Ruggiero |first=Nina |date=20 Oct 2014 |title=Secrets of Prospect Park |work=AM New York |pages=14-15 |id={{Pq|1616156145}}}}</ref>
The underside of the arched opening has a [[Coffer|coffered ceiling]],<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="n78219441" /> and there are [[Rosette (design)|rosettes]] at the center of each coffer.<ref name="n78219441" /> The interior walls of the archway opening have equestrian bas-reliefs of [[Abraham Lincoln]] and [[Ulysses S. Grant]].<ref name="n78219441" /><ref name="AIA">{{Cite AIA4 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=t0gj61QSgk8C&pg=PA723 668]}}</ref> The reliefs bear the dates 1893–1894,<ref name="n150356808" /> even though they were installed in 1895.<ref name="n150356808" /><ref name="AIA" /> They were sculpted by [[Thomas Eakins]], who designed the horses, and [[William Rudolf O'Donovan]], who designed the riders.<ref name="n80388906">{{Cite news |date=1895-10-05 |title=Grant and Lincoln |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-grant-and-lincoln/80388906/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=7}}</ref><ref name="BD p. 36">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|page=36}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1899-02-12" />{{efn|One source incorrectly attributes the bas-reliefs to [[Maurice J. Power]].<ref name="The Monumental News x506"/>}} The Lincoln relief is the only artwork in a New York City park where Lincoln is depicted on horseback,<ref name="nyt-2004-04-04">{{Cite news |last=Pollak |first=Michael |date=2004-04-04 |title=F.Y.I. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/04/nyregion/fyi-051128.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> as well as one of two artworks of Lincoln on horseback that are known to exist.<ref name="p1616156145">{{Cite news |last=Ruggiero |first=Nina |date=20 Oct 2014 |title=Secrets of Prospect Park |work=AM New York |pages=14–15 |id={{Pq|1616156145}}}}</ref>


[[Philip Martiny]] designed the [[Spandrel|spandrels]] on the structure's north and south facades, at the upper corners of the archway opening.<ref name="n150068715">{{Cite news |date=1892-06-11 |title=Fine Architectural Exhibit |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-fine-architectural/150068715/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=5}}</ref> The spandrels on the structure's north facade depict the state of New York and the then-independent city of Brooklyn,<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="p573586275">{{cite news |date=20 July 1890 |title=The Memorial Arch: Brooklyn's Tribute to the Dead |work=New-York Tribune |page=20 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573586275}}}}</ref> while the spandrels to the south depict female representations of victory.<ref name="n150068715" /> On the attic, along the arch's southern facade, is an inscription reading, "To the Defenders of the Union, 1861–1865"; this is the only inscription on the monument.<ref name="n150356808" /><ref name="n150383484">{{Cite news |last=Wetherington |first=Roger |date=1967-10-15 |title=Union Memorial at 75 Still Called Great Art |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-union-memorial-at-75-still-ca/150383484/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=328}}</ref> The monument's attic includes panels with disks surrounded by wreaths.<ref name="p573734028" /> The names of battles were supposed to have been inscribed into the panels.<ref name="p573734028" /><ref name="p126739203">{{Cite magazine |date=Jan 5, 1895 |title=Brooklyn's Memorial Arch. |work=Scientific American |page=11 |volume=LXXII |issue=1 |id={{pq|126739203}}}}</ref> The structure's [[parapet]] was to have globes with eagles resting above them,<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="p573734028" /> but the arch was instead built with a plain parapet.<ref name="p573734028" />
[[Philip Martiny]] designed the [[spandrel]]s on the structure's north and south facades, at the upper corners of the archway opening.<ref name="n150068715">{{Cite news |date=1892-06-11 |title=Fine Architectural Exhibit |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-fine-architectural/150068715/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=5}}</ref> The spandrels on the structure's north facade depict the state of New York and the then-independent city of Brooklyn,{{Efn|Brooklyn became part of the [[City of Greater New York]] in 1898.<ref name="Wallace 2017 p. 12">{{cite book | last=Wallace | first=Mike | title=Greater Gotham: A History of New York City from 1898 to 1919 | publisher=Oxford University Press | series=The History of NYC Series | year=2017 | isbn=978-0-19-972305-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AnUzDwAAQBAJ | page=12}}</ref>}}<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="p573586275">{{cite news |date=20 July 1890 |title=The Memorial Arch: Brooklyn's Tribute to the Dead |work=New-York Tribune |page=20 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573586275}}}}</ref> while the spandrels to the south depict female representations of victory.<ref name="n150068715" /> On the attic, along the arch's southern facade, is an inscription reading, "To the Defenders of the Union, 1861–1865"; this is the only inscription on the monument.<ref name="n150356808" /><ref name="n150383484">{{Cite news |last=Wetherington |first=Roger |date=1967-10-15 |title=Union Memorial at 75 Still Called Great Art |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-union-memorial-at-75-still-ca/150383484/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=328}}</ref> The monument's attic includes panels with disks surrounded by wreaths.<ref name="p573734028" /> The names of battles were supposed to have been inscribed into the panels.<ref name="p573734028" /><ref name="p126739203">{{Cite magazine |date=Jan 5, 1895 |title=Brooklyn's Memorial Arch. |work=Scientific American |page=11 |volume=LXXII |issue=1 |id={{pq|126739203}}}}</ref> The structure's [[parapet]] was to have globes with eagles resting above them,<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="p573734028" /> but the arch was instead built with a plain parapet.<ref name="p573734028" />


The arch has two circular stairways,<ref name="n78219441" /> one inside each abutment.<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="p96161401">{{Cite magazine |date=Jan 4, 1890 |title=Brooklyn's Triumphal Arch. |work=Scientific American |page=5 |volume=LXII |issue=1 |id={{pq|96161401}}}}</ref> One staircase was originally used by visitors traveling to the roof, while the other was used by visitors descending to ground level.<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="p573734028" /> The stairs have been variously cited as containing 103,<ref name="nyt-1998-05-10">{{Cite news |date=1998-05-10 |title=Playing in the Neighborhood: Prospect Park; A Monument With a View Is Opening Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/10/nyregion/playing-neighborhood-prospect-park-monument-with-view-opening-again.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 107,<ref name="n150375632">{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=David |date=1949-12-16 |title=It's No Cinch of a Job, Guarding Plaza Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-no-cinch-of-a-job-guard/150375632/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=832}}</ref> 108,<ref name="nyt-1981-11-12">{{Cite news |last=Carmody |first=Deirdre |date=1981-11-12 |title=Metropolitan Desk |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/12/nyregion/article-089666-no-title.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> or 116 steps.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1981-02-13 |title=Two-Borough Tour to Climb Brooklyn Arch; Borough-Trotting Tour To Climb Brooklyn Arch |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/13/arts/two-borough-tour-climb-brooklyn-arch-borough-trotting-tour-climb-brooklyn-arch.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Each of the stairs is made of iron, although the treads are made of stone and have military-inspired decorations such as battle axes.<ref name="BD p. 36" /> In addition, there is a room within the monument's attic, above the archway opening, for a war museum.<ref name="n78219441" /><ref name="p96161401" /> The room was originally decorated with marble wainscoting and mosaic panels, and there were [[Vault (architecture)|ceiling vaults]] with ornamentation honoring Civil War soldiers. Three glass domes illuminated the room.<ref name="n78219441" /> By the late 20th century, the room was an art exhibition space with little decoration.<ref name="nyt-1991-05-30" />
The arch has two circular stairways,<ref name="n78219441" /> one inside each abutment.<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="p96161401">{{Cite magazine |date=Jan 4, 1890 |title=Brooklyn's Triumphal Arch. |work=Scientific American |page=5 |volume=LXII |issue=1 |id={{pq|96161401}}}}</ref> One staircase was originally used by visitors traveling to the roof, while the other was used by visitors descending to ground level.<ref name="p94738310" /><ref name="p573734028" /> The stairs have been variously cited as containing 103,<ref name="nyt-1998-05-10">{{Cite news |date=1998-05-10 |title=Playing in the Neighborhood: Prospect Park; A Monument With a View Is Opening Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/10/nyregion/playing-neighborhood-prospect-park-monument-with-view-opening-again.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 107,<ref name="n150375632">{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=David |date=1949-12-16 |title=It's No Cinch of a Job, Guarding Plaza Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-no-cinch-of-a-job-guard/150375632/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=832}}</ref> 108,<ref name="nyt-1981-11-12">{{Cite news |last=Carmody |first=Deirdre |date=1981-11-12 |title=Metropolitan Desk |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/12/nyregion/article-089666-no-title.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> or 116 steps.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1981-02-13 |title=Two-Borough Tour to Climb Brooklyn Arch; Borough-Trotting Tour To Climb Brooklyn Arch |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/13/arts/two-borough-tour-climb-brooklyn-arch-borough-trotting-tour-climb-brooklyn-arch.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Each of the stairs is made of iron, although the treads are made of stone and have military-inspired decorations such as battle axes.<ref name="BD p. 36" /> In addition, there is a room within the monument's attic, above the archway opening, for a war museum.<ref name="n78219441" /><ref name="p96161401" /> The room was originally decorated with marble wainscoting and mosaic panels, and there were [[Vault (architecture)|ceiling vaults]] with ornamentation honoring Civil War soldiers. Three glass domes illuminated the room.<ref name="n78219441" /> By the late 20th century, the room was an art exhibition space with little decoration.<ref name="nyt-1991-05-30" />


==== Sculptures ====
==== Sculptures ====
[[File:Civil_War_Memorial_at_Grand_Army_Plaza_(2625888128).jpg|thumb|Close-up of the Navy sculptures, which are covered in netting]]
[[File:Civil War Memorial at Grand Army Plaza (2625888128).jpg|thumb|Close-up of the Navy sculptures, which are covered in netting]]
The sculptor [[Frederick MacMonnies]] was hired to design sculptures for the plaza's arch.<ref name="NYCL-0821" /><ref name="p5743107782">{{cite news |date=29 June 1897 |title=News of Brooklyn: Art Works Nearly Ready Macmonnies Busily Engaged on the Groups for the City |work=New-York Tribune |page=4 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574310778}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1896-03-11 |title=MacMonnies |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-macmonnies/150137524/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=2}}</ref> On the top of the arch is a [[quadriga]] or four-horse chariot,<ref name="p574530211">{{cite news |date=20 Nov 1898 |title=Sculpture for the Park: the Macmonnies Model of the Bronze for Brooklyn's Arch Finished--the Third-st. Entrance |work=New-York Tribune |page=S1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574530211}}}}</ref><ref name="BD p. 32" /> atop which is a figure of [[Columbia (personification)|Columbia]], the female personification of the United States.<ref name="BD pp. 32–33">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|pages=32–33}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1991-04-28">{{Cite news |date=1991-04-28 |title=Sunday Outing; Through a Grand Gateway, a Classic Urban Oasis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/28/news/sunday-outing-through-a-grand-gateway-a-classic-urban-oasis.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The figure holds a sword in her left (non-dominant) hand, signifying peace, in addition to a flag topped by a wreath, signifying victory.<ref name="BD pp. 32–33" /><ref name="nyt-1899-02-12">{{Cite news |date=1899-02-12 |title=New Groups by MacMonnies. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/02/12/archives/new-groups-by-macmonnies.html |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The chariot includes the [[Great Seal of the United States]].<ref name="BD p. 32" /> The quadriga is {{Convert|35|ft}} tall and weighs {{Convert|25|ST|metric ton|sp=us}};<ref name="nyt-1899-02-12" /> it had to be cast in seven pieces.<ref name="BD p. 33">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|page=33}}</ref>
The sculptor [[Frederick MacMonnies]] was hired to design sculptures for the plaza's arch.<ref name="NYCL-0821" /><ref name="p5743107782">{{cite news |date=29 June 1897 |title=News of Brooklyn: Art Works Nearly Ready Macmonnies Busily Engaged on the Groups for the City |work=New-York Tribune |page=4 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574310778}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1896-03-11 |title=MacMonnies |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-macmonnies/150137524/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=2}}</ref> On the top of the arch is a [[quadriga]] or four-horse chariot,<ref name="p574530211">{{cite news |date=20 Nov 1898 |title=Sculpture for the Park: the Macmonnies Model of the Bronze for Brooklyn's Arch Finished—the Third-st. Entrance |work=New-York Tribune |page=S1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574530211}}}}</ref><ref name="BD p. 32" /> atop which is a figure of [[Columbia (personification)|Columbia]], the female personification of the United States.<ref name="BD pp. 32–33">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|pages=32–33}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1991-04-28">{{Cite news |date=1991-04-28 |title=Sunday Outing; Through a Grand Gateway, a Classic Urban Oasis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/28/news/sunday-outing-through-a-grand-gateway-a-classic-urban-oasis.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The figure holds a sword in her left (non-dominant) hand, signifying peace, in addition to a flag topped by a wreath, signifying victory.<ref name="BD pp. 32–33" /><ref name="nyt-1899-02-12">{{Cite news |date=1899-02-12 |title=New Groups by MacMonnies. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/02/12/archives/new-groups-by-macmonnies.html |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The chariot includes the [[Great Seal of the United States]].<ref name="BD p. 32" /> The quadriga is {{Convert|35|ft}} tall and weighs {{Convert|25|ST|metric ton|sp=us}};<ref name="nyt-1899-02-12" /> it had to be cast in seven pieces.<ref name="BD p. 33">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|page=33}}</ref>


At ground level, MacMonnies also designed two bronze sculptural groups on the arch's southern facade.<ref name="nyt-1899-02-12" /><ref name="p574530211" /><ref name="p223363615">{{cite news |last=Curtis |first=Patricia |date=May 2010 |title=Brooklyn's War |work=America's Civil War |pages=58-64 |volume=23 |issue=2 |id={{pq|223363615}}}}</ref> These represent the [[United States Army]] and [[United States Navy]],<ref name="nyt-1899-02-12" /><ref name="p574530211" /> which respectively are placed to the west and east of the archway opening.<ref name="BD p. 33" /> The Army grouping includes a young officer, flanked by injured soldiers and a winged [[Valkyrie]] carrying a dead soldier.<ref name="BD pp. 34–35">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|pages=34–35}}</ref> The Army statues were based on the painting [[Liberty Leading the People|''Liberty Leading the People'']] by [[Eugène Delacroix]].<ref name="p964372007">{{cite news |last=Richterman |first=Anita |date=11 June 1981 |title=Problem Line |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-problem-line/150298591/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B15 |id={{ProQuest|964372007}}}}</ref> The Navy grouping depicts a group of soldiers standing on a ship with a snapped [[Mast (sailing)|mast]], above which is a depiction of the goddess [[Bellona (goddess)|Bellona]].<ref name="BD p. 35">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|page=35}}</ref> The Navy grouping includes a depiction of a black soldier kneeling;<ref name="p223363615" /><ref name="Pontone 2023 v877">{{cite web |last=Pontone |first=Maya |date=July 17, 2023 |title=Behind the $9 Million Restoration of Grand Army Plaza |url=https://hyperallergic.com/834009/behind-the-9-million-restoration-of-grand-army-plaza-brooklyn/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Hyperallergic}}</ref> at the time of the arch's completion, comparatively few monuments depicted black men,<ref name="n150297163">{{Cite news |last=Kappstatter |first=Bob |date=1982-04-15 |title=Arch perspective on Army Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-perspective-on-army-plaz/150297163/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=136}}</ref><ref name="p278130230">{{cite news |last=Benepe |first=Adrian |date=29 May 1989 |title=Silent Sentinels |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-silent-sentinels/150300799/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=39 |id={{ProQuest|278130230}}}}</ref>
At ground level, MacMonnies also designed two bronze sculptural groups on the arch's southern facade.<ref name="nyt-1899-02-12" /><ref name="p574530211" /><ref name="p223363615">{{cite news |last=Curtis |first=Patricia |date=May 2010 |title=Brooklyn's War |work=America's Civil War |pages=58–64 |volume=23 |issue=2 |id={{pq|223363615}}}}</ref> These represent the [[United States Army]] and [[United States Navy]],<ref name="nyt-1899-02-12" /><ref name="p574530211" /> which respectively are placed to the west and east of the archway opening.<ref name="BD p. 33" /> The Army grouping includes a young officer, flanked by injured soldiers and a winged [[Valkyrie]] carrying a dead soldier.<ref name="BD pp. 34–35">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|pages=34–35}}</ref> The Army statues were based on the painting [[Liberty Leading the People|''Liberty Leading the People'']] by [[Eugène Delacroix]].<ref name="p964372007">{{cite news |last=Richterman |first=Anita |date=11 June 1981 |title=Problem Line |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-problem-line/150298591/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B15 |id={{ProQuest|964372007}}}}</ref> The Navy grouping depicts a group of soldiers standing on a ship with a snapped [[Mast (sailing)|mast]], above which is a depiction of the goddess [[Bellona (goddess)|Bellona]].<ref name="BD p. 35">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|page=35}}</ref> The Navy grouping includes a depiction of a black soldier kneeling;<ref name="p223363615" /><ref name="Pontone 2023 v877">{{cite web |last=Pontone |first=Maya |date=July 17, 2023 |title=Behind the $9 Million Restoration of Grand Army Plaza |url=https://hyperallergic.com/834009/behind-the-9-million-restoration-of-grand-army-plaza-brooklyn/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Hyperallergic}}</ref> at the time of the arch's completion, comparatively few monuments depicted black men,<ref name="n150297163">{{Cite news |last=Kappstatter |first=Bob |date=1982-04-15 |title=Arch perspective on Army Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-perspective-on-army-plaz/150297163/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=136}}</ref><ref name="p278130230">{{cite news |last=Benepe |first=Adrian |date=29 May 1989 |title=Silent Sentinels |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-silent-sentinels/150300799/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=39 |id={{ProQuest|278130230}}}}</ref>


There have been claims that the soldiers in the sculptures were modeled on French people.<ref name="n150297163" /><ref name="n150334987">{{Cite news |date=1930-11-28 |title='Boys in Blue' on Arch Are French Soldiers |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boys-in-blue/150334987/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boys-in-blue/150335023/ 2]}}</ref> For example, the president of the Kings County Historical Society claimed in 1930 that the sculptures' uniforms were based on French soldiers' uniforms, while the caps are slightly different from those worn by Civil War veterans.<ref name="n150334987" /> MacMonnies refuted the claims, saying the figures were based upon Americans he saw in Paris.<ref name="n150297163" /> Specifically, the figures contain the faces of MacMonnies and his friends,<ref name="BD p. 36" /><ref name="p133914396">{{cite news |last=Kleinfield |first=N.R. |date=24 Oct 1974 |title=Civic Pride's Bosom Sags; General Fowler Lost His Left Hand: New York's Decrepit Statues Get Occasional Face-Lifts From Overworked Artisans . Decrepit Statues in New York City Are Repaired by Unsung Artisans |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133914396}}}}</ref> and one of the wounded figures depicts MacMonnies's former mentor, [[Augustus Saint-Gaudens]].<ref name="n150323572">{{Cite news |last=Liff |first=Bob |date=1999-12-27 |title=Arch bridges centuries |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-bridges-centuries/150323572/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=437}}</ref> The sculptures were intended to honor "common soldiers", in contrast to other war memorials that honored military figures.<ref name="p223363615" />
There have been claims that the soldiers in the sculptures were modeled on French people.<ref name="n150297163" /><ref name="n150334987">{{Cite news |date=1930-11-28 |title='Boys in Blue' on Arch Are French Soldiers |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boys-in-blue/150334987/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boys-in-blue/150335023/ 2]}}</ref> For example, the president of the Kings County Historical Society claimed in 1930 that the sculptures' uniforms were based on French soldiers' uniforms, while the caps are slightly different from those worn by Civil War veterans.<ref name="n150334987" /> MacMonnies refuted the claims, saying the figures were based upon Americans he saw in Paris.<ref name="n150297163" /> Specifically, the figures contain the faces of MacMonnies and his friends.<ref name="BD p. 36" /><ref name="p133914396">{{cite news |last=Kleinfield |first=N.R. |date=24 Oct 1974 |title=Civic Pride's Bosom Sags; General Fowler Lost His Left Hand: New York's Decrepit Statues Get Occasional Face-Lifts From Overworked Artisans . Decrepit Statues in New York City Are Repaired by Unsung Artisans |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133914396}}}}</ref> One of the wounded figures depicts MacMonnies's former mentor, [[Augustus Saint-Gaudens]].<ref name="n150323572">{{Cite news |last=Liff |first=Bob |date=1999-12-27 |title=Arch bridges centuries |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-bridges-centuries/150323572/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=437}}</ref> The sculptures were intended to honor "common soldiers", in contrast to other war memorials, which honored military leaders.<ref name="p223363615" />


=== Temporary art ===
=== Temporary art ===
The arch has been used for temporary art installations, including exhibits by local artists in the late 20th century.<ref name="n150297771" /><ref name="n150298943">{{Cite news |last=Copage |first=Eric V. |date=1983-09-18 |title=Art in park gets off to flying start |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-art-in-park-gets-off-to-flyin/150298943/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=450}}</ref> During the 1980s, these included a multimedia exhibit,<ref name="nyt-1983-10-16">{{Cite news |last=Glueck |first=Grace |date=1983-10-16 |title=In the Arts: Critics' Choices |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/16/arts/in-the-arts-critics-choices-232935.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> an equestrian-themed exhibit,<ref name="n150298540">{{Cite news |last=Fleming |first=Robert |date=1984-04-30 |title=Sun makes park special |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sun-makes-park-special/150298540/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=77}}</ref> a show with angelic-themed works,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1986-04-25 |title=High-Flying Sculpture At Grand Army Plaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/25/arts/high-flying-sculpture-at-grand-army-plaza.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> an exhibit based on classical architecture,<ref name="p278039708">{{cite news |date=10 Oct 1988 |title=Brooklyn Neighborhoods |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=25 |id={{ProQuest|278039708}}}}</ref> and an exhibition about monuments and home goods.<ref name="nyt-1991-05-30">{{Cite news |last=Kahn |first=Eve M. |date=1991-05-30 |title=Behind the Faded Glory, a Home for Sculptures |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/30/garden/behind-the-faded-glory-a-home-for-sculptures.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="n150301867">{{Cite news |last=Iverem |first=Esther |date=1991-04-30 |title=Arch at Grand Army Plaza Hosts 'Homes' Exhibit |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-arch-at-grand-army-plaza-hosts/150301867/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=63}}</ref> There were also exhibits in the 1990s, including works about civil wars,<ref name="p278789889">{{cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Bill |date=17 May 1994 |title=Spotlight |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B25 |id={{ProQuest|278789889}}}}</ref> Ghanaian folk art,<ref name="p278903697">{{cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Bill |date=30 May 1995 |title=Spotlight |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B.11 |id={{ProQuest|278903697}}}}</ref> [[Nuyorican]] art,<ref name="nyt-1998-10-11">{{Cite news |last=Goldman |first=Michael |date=1998-10-11 |title=Playing the Neighborhood |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/11/nyregion/playing-the-neighborhood.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> photos of Prospect Park,<ref name="nyt-1998-10-11" /> and a controversial multimedia piece depicting an assassination.<ref name="n150318045">{{Cite news |last=Charles |first=Nick |date=1994-06-24 |title=Sliwa stunt boosts controversial art |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sliwa-stunt-boosts-controvers/150318045/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=1738 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Brozan |first=Nadine |date=1994-06-21 |title=Chronicle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/21/style/chronicle-455547.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Additionally, during the 2024 restoration of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch, a set of works by local contemporary artists was placed at the arch's base.<ref name="Brooklyn Eagle 2024 u199">{{cite web |date=June 5, 2024 |title=‘Park of Dreams’ celebrates art and restoration of Grand Army Plaza’s Memorial Arch |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2024/06/05/park-of-dreams-celebrates-art-and-restoration-of-grand-army-plazas-memorial-arch/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Eagle}}</ref><ref name="Brendlen 2024 a334">{{cite web |last=Brendlen |first=Kirstyn |date=February 16, 2024 |title=Artists explore the ‘Park of Dreams’ in new installation at Grand Army Plaza |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-of-dreams-grand-army-plaza/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Ginsburg |first=Aaron |date=February 9, 2024 |title='Park of Dreams' brings vibrant public art to Grand Army Plaza's Arch during renovation |url=https://www.6sqft.com/park-of-dreams-public-art-grand-army-plaza-arch-in-brooklyn/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=6sqft}}</ref>
The arch has been used for temporary art installations, including exhibits by local artists in the late 20th century.<ref name="n150297771" /><ref name="n150298943">{{Cite news |last=Copage |first=Eric V. |date=1983-09-18 |title=Art in park gets off to flying start |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-art-in-park-gets-off-to-flyin/150298943/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=450}}</ref> During the 1980s, these included a multimedia exhibit,<ref name="nyt-1983-10-16">{{Cite news |last=Glueck |first=Grace |date=1983-10-16 |title=In the Arts: Critics' Choices |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/16/arts/in-the-arts-critics-choices-232935.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> an equestrian-themed exhibit,<ref name="n150298540">{{Cite news |last=Fleming |first=Robert |date=1984-04-30 |title=Sun makes park special |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sun-makes-park-special/150298540/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=77}}</ref> a show with works themed to angels,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1986-04-25 |title=High-Flying Sculpture At Grand Army Plaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/25/arts/high-flying-sculpture-at-grand-army-plaza.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> a show based on classical architecture,<ref name="p278039708">{{cite news |date=10 Oct 1988 |title=Brooklyn Neighborhoods |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=25 |id={{ProQuest|278039708}}}}</ref> and an exhibit about monuments and home goods.<ref name="nyt-1991-05-30">{{Cite news |last=Kahn |first=Eve M. |date=1991-05-30 |title=Behind the Faded Glory, a Home for Sculptures |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/30/garden/behind-the-faded-glory-a-home-for-sculptures.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="n150301867">{{Cite news |last=Iverem |first=Esther |date=1991-04-30 |title=Arch at Grand Army Plaza Hosts 'Homes' Exhibit |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-arch-at-grand-army-plaza-hosts/150301867/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=63}}</ref> There were also exhibits in the 1990s, including works about civil wars,<ref name="p278789889">{{cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Bill |date=17 May 1994 |title=Spotlight |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B25 |id={{ProQuest|278789889}}}}</ref> Ghanaian folk art,<ref name="p278903697">{{cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Bill |date=30 May 1995 |title=Spotlight |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B.11 |id={{ProQuest|278903697}}}}</ref> [[Nuyorican]] art,<ref name="nyt-1998-10-11">{{Cite news |last=Goldman |first=Michael |date=1998-10-11 |title=Playing the Neighborhood |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/11/nyregion/playing-the-neighborhood.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> photos of Prospect Park,<ref name="nyt-1998-10-11" /> and a controversial multimedia piece depicting an assassination.<ref name="n150318045">{{Cite news |last=Charles |first=Nick |date=1994-06-24 |title=Sliwa stunt boosts controversial art |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sliwa-stunt-boosts-controvers/150318045/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=1738 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Brozan |first=Nadine |date=1994-06-21 |title=Chronicle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/21/style/chronicle-455547.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Additionally, during the 2024 restoration of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch, a set of works by local contemporary artists was placed at the arch's base.<ref name="Brooklyn Eagle 2024 u199">{{cite web |date=June 5, 2024 |title='Park of Dreams' celebrates art and restoration of Grand Army Plaza's Memorial Arch |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2024/06/05/park-of-dreams-celebrates-art-and-restoration-of-grand-army-plazas-memorial-arch/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Eagle}}</ref><ref name="Brendlen 2024 a334">{{cite web |last=Brendlen |first=Kirstyn |date=February 16, 2024 |title=Artists explore the 'Park of Dreams' in new installation at Grand Army Plaza |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-of-dreams-grand-army-plaza/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Ginsburg |first=Aaron |date=February 9, 2024 |title='Park of Dreams' brings vibrant public art to Grand Army Plaza's Arch during renovation |url=https://www.6sqft.com/park-of-dreams-public-art-grand-army-plaza-arch-in-brooklyn/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=6sqft}}</ref>


== Development ==
== Development ==


=== Planning ===
=== Planning ===
After the [[American Civil War]], the then-independent city of [[Brooklyn]]{{Efn|Brooklyn became part of the [[City of Greater New York]] in 1898.<ref name="Wallace 2017 p. 12">{{cite book | last=Wallace | first=Mike | title=Greater Gotham: A History of New York City from 1898 to 1919 | publisher=Oxford University Press | series=The History of NYC Series | year=2017 | isbn=978-0-19-972305-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AnUzDwAAQBAJ | page=12}}</ref>}} planned a grand memorial to [[Union Army]] soldiers. Although a statue of Lincoln on Grand Army Plaza and a memorial shaft on [[Battle Hill (Brooklyn)|Battle Hill]] were erected in the late 1860s, no major monuments were built in Brooklyn for two decades.<ref name="p573734028" /> The [[New York State Legislature]] passed legislation on May 16, 1887, authorizing the development of a major Civil War monument in Brooklyn.<ref name="p88889113">{{Cite magazine |date=Feb 1, 1890 |title=An Imposing and Appropriate Monument |work=The Manufacturer and Builder : A Practical Journal of Industrial Progress |page=25 |volume=22 |issue=2 |id={{pq|88889113}}}}</ref><ref name="n78219441" /> The state legislature initially authorized Brooklyn's mayor and common council to oversee the monument's construction. The next year, the legislature appointed a three-person commission consisting of Brooklyn's mayor, Brooklyn's aldermanic president, and the [[Grand Army of the Republic]] Memorial Committee's chairman to develop the monument.<ref name="n78219441" />
After the [[American Civil War]], the city of [[Brooklyn]] planned a grand memorial to [[Union Army]] soldiers. Although a statue of Lincoln on Grand Army Plaza and a memorial shaft on [[Battle Hill (Brooklyn)|Battle Hill]] were erected in the late 1860s, no major monuments were built in Brooklyn for two decades.<ref name="p573734028" /> The [[New York State Legislature]] passed legislation on May 16, 1887, authorizing the development of a major Civil War monument in Brooklyn.<ref name="p88889113">{{Cite magazine |date=Feb 1, 1890 |title=An Imposing and Appropriate Monument |work=The Manufacturer and Builder : A Practical Journal of Industrial Progress |page=25 |volume=22 |issue=2 |id={{pq|88889113}}}}</ref><ref name="n78219441" /> Initially, the monument's construction was to be overseen by Brooklyn's mayor and common council. In 1888, the legislature decided to instead appoint a three-person commission to develop the monument. The commission consisted of Brooklyn's mayor, Brooklyn's aldermanic president, and the [[Grand Army of the Republic]] Memorial Committee's chairman.<ref name="n78219441" />


Initially, the state legislature allocated $100,000 for the monument,<ref name="n150175814">{{Cite news |date=1888-09-07 |title=An Outline of the Monument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-an-outline-of-the-mon/150175814/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="n150175144">{{Cite news |date=1894-10-15 |title=Tribune's Arch Expose |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-tribunes-arch/150175144/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> of which half was made available during 1888 and half in 1889.<ref name="n150189324">{{Cite news |date=1888-07-19 |title=Municipal |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-municipal/150189324/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1888-07-18 |title=What Does This Delay Mean? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-what-does-this-delay/150189187/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> The monument had been planned as a shaft in City Hall Park (now [[Columbus Park (Brooklyn)|Columbus Park]]).<ref name="p573734028" /><ref name="n150004820">{{Cite news |date=1888-03-07 |title=A Memorial Arch Now |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-a-memorial-arch-now/150004820/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Standard Union |pages=3}}</ref> Contracts were about to be awarded for the shaft when the plans were changed.<ref name="p573734028" /> By early 1888, a memorial arch was being proposed at Prospect Park Plaza (later Grand Army Plaza) instead.<ref name="n150004820" /> After mayor [[Alfred C. Chapin]] vetoed an initial design by [[Henry Baerer]],<ref name="n150005073">{{Cite news |date=1888-04-07 |title=Vetoed by the Mayor |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-vetoed-by-the-mayor/150005073/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> an [[architectural design competition]] for the monument was hosted for the arch.<ref name="n75557817">{{Cite news |date=1888-10-19 |title=Is there a Job in it? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-is-there-a-job-in-it/75557817/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1888-10-18 |title=Designs for the Monument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-designs-for-the-monument/150005363/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=Times Union |pages=1}}</ref> By October 1888, thirty-six architectural firms had submitted designs.<ref name="n75557817" /> The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Commission hired [[William R. Ware]] and [[Charles B. Atwood]] to review the designs.<ref name="n150177513">{{Cite news |date=1889-08-02 |title=Red Seal |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-red-seal/150177513/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4}}</ref> The state government added another $150,000 for the arch's construction in 1889.<ref name="n150175144" /><ref name="n150177513" />
Initially, the state legislature allocated $100,000 for the monument,<ref name="n150175814">{{Cite news |date=1888-09-07 |title=An Outline of the Monument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-an-outline-of-the-mon/150175814/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="n150175144">{{Cite news |date=1894-10-15 |title=Tribune's Arch Expose |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-tribunes-arch/150175144/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> of which half was made available during 1888 and half in 1889.<ref name="n150189324">{{Cite news |date=1888-07-19 |title=Municipal |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-municipal/150189324/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1888-07-18 |title=What Does This Delay Mean? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-what-does-this-delay/150189187/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> The monument had been planned as a shaft in City Hall Park (now [[Columbus Park (Brooklyn)|Columbus Park]]).<ref name="p573734028" /><ref name="n150004820">{{Cite news |date=1888-03-07 |title=A Memorial Arch Now |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-a-memorial-arch-now/150004820/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Standard Union |pages=3}}</ref> Contracts were about to be awarded for the shaft when the plans were changed.<ref name="p573734028" /> By early 1888, a memorial arch was being proposed at Prospect Park Plaza (later Grand Army Plaza) instead.<ref name="n150004820" /> After mayor [[Alfred C. Chapin]] vetoed an initial design by [[Henry Baerer]],<ref name="n150005073">{{Cite news |date=1888-04-07 |title=Vetoed by the Mayor |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-vetoed-by-the-mayor/150005073/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> an [[architectural design competition]] for the monument was hosted for the arch.<ref name="n75557817">{{Cite news |date=1888-10-19 |title=Is there a Job in it? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-is-there-a-job-in-it/75557817/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1888-10-18 |title=Designs for the Monument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-designs-for-the-monument/150005363/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=Times Union |pages=1}}</ref> By October 1888, thirty-six architectural firms had submitted designs.<ref name="n75557817" /> The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Commission hired [[William R. Ware]] and [[Charles B. Atwood]] to review the designs.<ref name="n150177513">{{Cite news |date=1889-08-02 |title=Red Seal |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-red-seal/150177513/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4}}</ref> The state government added another $150,000 for the arch's construction in 1889.<ref name="n150175144" /><ref name="n150177513" />


[[John H. Duncan|John Hemenway Duncan]], the designer of [[Grant's Tomb]] in [[Manhattan]], was selected as the architect that August.<ref name="p573579252">{{cite news |date=7 Aug 1889 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: "Red Seal's" Memorial Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573579252}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1889-08-07 |title=Duncan Talks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-duncan-talks/77380442/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4}}</ref> Duncan received $1,000 for his design,<ref name="n78219441" /><ref name="p88889113" /> and the runner-up was to receive $500.<ref name="n62532949">{{Cite news |date=1888-07-28 |title=Prizes for New Designs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-prizes-for-new-designs/62532949/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=1}}</ref> Duncan's design, known as "Red Seal",<ref name="n150178386">{{Cite news |date=1889-08-16 |title=Duncan's Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-duncans-arch/150178386/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="p5735792522">{{cite news |date=7 Aug 1889 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: "Red Seal's" Memorial Arch the Committee Advised to Reduce the Size So as to Have More Money for Sculpture Broke Down Before Its Work Began a Theatre Manager Assaulted a Suicide in Prospect Park Cathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573579252}}}}</ref> called for a structure with statuary at the top and [[Pilaster|pilasters]] supporting the attic. There were supposed to have been pedestals at the base of either of the arch's abutments, topped by bronze allegorical groups of statues.<ref name="n150177513" /> The arch was originally supposed to stand across an entrance into the park.<ref name="p573586275" /><ref name="n150178386" /> However, Duncan objected to placing the arch on the park's perimeter,<ref name="p573586275" /> and Brooklyn city officials agreed instead to build the arch at the plaza's southern end, within a [[Median strip|median]], in September 1889.<ref name="n77381235">{{Cite news |date=1889-09-18 |title=An Arch Site |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-an-arch-site/77381235/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1889-09-18 |title=For the Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-for-the-arch/77381101/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> The arch was originally supposed to stand {{Convert|100|ft}} tall, but the Monument Commission recommended reducing the arch's height to reduce the amount of stone needed. Even with a reduced height, the arch was intended to be one of the world's largest triumphal arches.<ref name="p5735792522" />
[[John H. Duncan|John Hemenway Duncan]], the designer of [[Grant's Tomb]] in [[Manhattan]], was selected as the architect that August.<ref name="p573579252">{{cite news |date=7 Aug 1889 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: "Red Seal's" Memorial Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573579252}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1889-08-07 |title=Duncan Talks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-duncan-talks/77380442/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4}}</ref> Duncan received $1,000 for his design,<ref name="n78219441" /><ref name="p88889113" /> and the runner-up was to receive $500.<ref name="n62532949">{{Cite news |date=1888-07-28 |title=Prizes for New Designs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-prizes-for-new-designs/62532949/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=1}}</ref> Duncan's design, known as "Red Seal",<ref name="n150178386">{{Cite news |date=1889-08-16 |title=Duncan's Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-duncans-arch/150178386/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="p5735792522">{{cite news |date=7 Aug 1889 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: "Red Seal's" Memorial Arch the Committee Advised to Reduce the Size So as to Have More Money for Sculpture Broke Down Before Its Work Began a Theatre Manager Assaulted a Suicide in Prospect Park Cathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573579252}}}}</ref> called for a structure with statuary at the top and [[pilaster]]s supporting the attic. There were supposed to have been pedestals at the base of either of the arch's abutments, topped by bronze allegorical groups of statues.<ref name="n150177513" /> The arch was originally supposed to stand across an entrance into the park.<ref name="p573586275" /><ref name="n150178386" /> However, Duncan objected to placing the arch on the park's perimeter,<ref name="p573586275" /> and Brooklyn city officials agreed instead to build the arch at the plaza's southern end, within a [[Median strip|median]], in September 1889.<ref name="n77381235">{{Cite news |date=1889-09-18 |title=An Arch Site |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-an-arch-site/77381235/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1889-09-18 |title=For the Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-for-the-arch/77381101/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> The arch was originally supposed to stand {{Convert|100|ft}} tall, but the Monument Commission recommended reducing the arch's height to reduce the amount of stone needed. Even with a reduced height, the arch was intended to be one of the world's largest triumphal arches.<ref name="p5735792522" />


=== Construction ===
=== Construction ===
[[File:Grand Army Plaza 1894.jpg|thumb|Arch in 1894 without sculptures]]Several contractors were invited to submit bids for the arch in late 1889,<ref name="n150178733">{{Cite news |date=1889-10-02 |title=Disposed Of |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-disposed-of/150178733/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="p573494354">{{cite news |date=2 Oct 1889 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: to Begin Work on the Memorial Arch Gathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573494354}}}}</ref> and Cranford & Valentine were hired to excavate the foundations for $12,274.<ref name="p573969929">{{cite news |date=14 Oct 1894 |title=Bad Work in Brooklyn: the Truth About the Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573969929}}}}</ref> Brooklyn's park commissioners also discussed relocating streetcar tracks in Prospect Park Plaza, as these tracks intersected near the site of the arch.<ref name="n150179539">{{Cite news |date=1889-10-09 |title=Conference |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-conference/150179539/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> Duncan also contemplated raising the arch's foundation to make it more prominent, though he did not want to add "[[filigree]] ornamentation".<ref name="n150179804">{{Cite news |date=1889-10-02 |title=Work on the Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-the-mem/150179804/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> The cornerstone of the arch was laid on October 30, 1889, and Civil War general [[William Tecumseh Sherman]] spoke at the ceremony.<ref name="p573550957">{{cite news |date=31 Oct 1889 |title=The Cornerstone Laid: Dead Soldiers and Sailors Honored Ceremonies at Prospect Park, Brooklyn--General Sherman Handles the Silver Trowel |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573550957}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1889-10-30 |title=The Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-arch/78892054/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1889-10-31 |title=In Memory of Her Heroes; Laying the Cornerstone of the Brooklyn Arch. Veterans and National Guardsmen in the Parade--the Reception Accorded to Gen. Sherman. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1889/10/31/archives/in-memory-of-her-heroes-laying-the-cornerstone-of-the-brooklyn-arch.html |access-date=2024-06-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The foundation of the eastern abutment was constructed first because the site of the western abutment was occupied by streetcar tracks. By the end of 1889, plans were being drawn up for the upper portion of the arch.<ref name="n150180310">{{Cite news |date=1889-12-13 |title=Work on the Memorial Arch Resumed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-work-on-the-memorial-ar/150180310/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=3}}</ref> Duncan revised his plans for the arch in February 1890 so the abutments would be more sturdy.<ref name="n78154474">{{Cite news |date=1890-02-14 |title=The Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-the-memorial-arch/78154474/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=1}}</ref>
[[File:Grand Army Plaza 1894.jpg|thumb|Arch in 1894 without sculptures]]Several contractors were invited to submit bids for the arch in late 1889,<ref name="n150178733">{{Cite news |date=1889-10-02 |title=Disposed Of |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-disposed-of/150178733/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="p573494354">{{cite news |date=2 Oct 1889 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: to Begin Work on the Memorial Arch Gathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573494354}}}}</ref> and Cranford & Valentine were hired to excavate the foundations for $12,274.<ref name="p573969929">{{cite news |date=14 Oct 1894 |title=Bad Work in Brooklyn: the Truth About the Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573969929}}}}</ref> Brooklyn's park commissioners also discussed relocating streetcar tracks in Prospect Park Plaza, as these tracks intersected near the site of the arch.<ref name="n150179539">{{Cite news |date=1889-10-09 |title=Conference |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-conference/150179539/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> Duncan also contemplated raising the arch's foundation to make it more prominent, though he did not want to add "[[filigree]] ornamentation".<ref name="n150179804">{{Cite news |date=1889-10-02 |title=Work on the Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-the-mem/150179804/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> The cornerstone of the arch was laid on October 30, 1889, and Civil War general [[William Tecumseh Sherman]] spoke at the ceremony.<ref name="p573550957">{{cite news |date=31 Oct 1889 |title=The Cornerstone Laid: Dead Soldiers and Sailors Honored Ceremonies at Prospect Park, Brooklyn—General Sherman Handles the Silver Trowel |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573550957}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1889-10-30 |title=The Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-arch/78892054/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1889-10-31 |title=In Memory of Her Heroes; Laying the Cornerstone of the Brooklyn Arch. Veterans and National Guardsmen in the Parade—the Reception Accorded to Gen. Sherman. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1889/10/31/archives/in-memory-of-her-heroes-laying-the-cornerstone-of-the-brooklyn-arch.html |access-date=2024-06-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The foundation of the eastern abutment was constructed first because the site of the western abutment was occupied by streetcar tracks. By the end of 1889, plans were being drawn up for the upper portion of the arch.<ref name="n150180310">{{Cite news |date=1889-12-13 |title=Work on the Memorial Arch Resumed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-work-on-the-memorial-ar/150180310/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=3}}</ref> Duncan revised his plans for the arch in February 1890 so the abutments would be more sturdy.<ref name="n78154474">{{Cite news |date=1890-02-14 |title=The Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-the-memorial-arch/78154474/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=1}}</ref>


Work was delayed due to the need to relocate the streetcar tracks.<ref name="n781331873" /><ref name="p573586275" /> In addition, while constructing the foundation, workers discovered a layer of muck beneath the site of the arch, a remnant of a former pond.<ref name="p573586275" /> The Memorial Arch Commission solicited bids for the arch's stonework in March 1890 and received five bids, of which three were reviewed. Bernard Gallagher submitted the lowest of these three bids, at $174,592, and received the contract.<ref name="p573538635">{{cite news |date=6 Mar 1890 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: Opening Bids for the Memorial Arch Many People Wanted Counterfeit Money a Low Price for a Fine House Indicted Officials Plead Not Guilty Gathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573538635}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1890-03-05 |title=Gallagher Gets the Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-gallagher-gets/78743907/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> Gallagher was originally required to complete the arch within a year, but the Arch Commission extended the deadline to September 1891 shortly afterward.<ref name="p573969929" /> John W. Fowler received a $16,995 contract in May 1890 to relocate the streetcar tracks so the rest of the arch could be constructed.<ref name="n781331872">{{Cite news |date=1890-05-08 |title=A Costly Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-costly-job/78133187/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> Four existing streetcar tracks in the plaza were rerouted,<ref name="n781331873">{{Cite news |date=1890-05-08 |title=A Costly Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-costly-job/78133187/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> and the new tracks were completed in July.<ref name="n78934412">{{Cite news |date=1890-07-03 |title=The New Park Plaza Tracks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-new-park-plaza-tr/78934412/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> By that September, a temporary construction fence had been erected around the site of the arch, and the contractors had erected [[Derrick|derricks]] to install the arch's granite pieces.<ref name="n150181668">{{Cite news |date=1890-09-04 |title=Facts From Flatbush |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-facts-from-flatbush/150181668/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=4}}</ref> There were controversies when Brooklyn's park commission indicated that it would allow advertisements to be posted on the fence,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1890-09-16 |title=Post No Bills |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-post-no-bills/150182023/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="p573567355">{{cite news |date=17 Sep 1890 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: to Keep Advertisements Off the Fence |work=New-York Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573567355}}}}</ref> and the commission ultimately decided against allowing advertisements.<ref name="n150181668" /><ref name="p573567355" />
Work was delayed due to the need to relocate the streetcar tracks.<ref name="n781331873" /><ref name="p573586275" /> In addition, while constructing the foundation, workers discovered a layer of muck beneath the site of the arch, a remnant of a former pond.<ref name="p573586275" /> The Memorial Arch Commission solicited bids for the arch's stonework in March 1890 and received five bids, of which three were reviewed. Bernard Gallagher submitted the lowest of these three bids, at $174,592, and received the contract.<ref name="p573538635">{{cite news |date=6 Mar 1890 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: Opening Bids for the Memorial Arch Many People Wanted Counterfeit Money a Low Price for a Fine House Indicted Officials Plead Not Guilty Gathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573538635}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1890-03-05 |title=Gallagher Gets the Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-gallagher-gets/78743907/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> Gallagher was originally required to complete the arch within a year, but the Arch Commission extended the deadline to September 1891 shortly afterward.<ref name="p573969929" /> John W. Fowler received a $16,995 contract in May 1890 to relocate the streetcar tracks so the rest of the arch could be constructed.<ref name="n781331872">{{Cite news |date=1890-05-08 |title=A Costly Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-costly-job/78133187/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> Four existing streetcar tracks in the plaza were rerouted,<ref name="n781331873">{{Cite news |date=1890-05-08 |title=A Costly Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-costly-job/78133187/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> and the new tracks were completed in July.<ref name="n78934412">{{Cite news |date=1890-07-03 |title=The New Park Plaza Tracks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-new-park-plaza-tr/78934412/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> By that September, a temporary construction fence had been erected around the site of the arch, and the contractors had erected [[derrick]]s to install the arch's granite pieces.<ref name="n150181668">{{Cite news |date=1890-09-04 |title=Facts From Flatbush |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-facts-from-flatbush/150181668/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=4}}</ref> Brooklyn's park commission wanted to allow advertisements on the fence, but this was controversial,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1890-09-16 |title=Post No Bills |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-post-no-bills/150182023/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="p573567355">{{cite news |date=17 Sep 1890 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: to Keep Advertisements Off the Fence |work=New-York Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573567355}}}}</ref> and the commission ultimately decided against the advertisements.<ref name="n150181668" /><ref name="p573567355" />


Thomas Eakins and William Rudolf O'Donovan were hired {{circa|1891}} to sculpt [[Bas-relief|bas-reliefs]] of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.<ref name="n80388906" /> The Union Granite Company also received contracts for bronze and granite [[Bollard|bollards]] around the arch, as well as carvings on the arch's spandrels.<ref name="p573969929" /> Some of the arch's stones became severely discolored shortly after they were installed, prompting allegations that iron was being used in place of granite.<ref name="n150182901">{{Cite news |date=1891-04-30 |title=James Howell |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-james-howell/150182901/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> State legislators also tried to allocate another $100,000 for the acquisition of statuary,<ref name="n78165624">{{Cite news |date=1891-04-21 |title=The Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-memorial-arch/78165624/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="n150176471">{{Cite news |date=1891-04-21 |title=The Soldiers' Monument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-soldiers-m/150176471/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> but the effort was unsuccessful.<ref name="p573734028" /> That July, Duncan submitted designs for the arch's spandrels to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch Commission.<ref name="n78166076" /> The arch was supposed to have been completed in late 1891,<ref name="n150176471" /><ref name="n78166076">{{Cite news |date=1891-07-16 |title=By October 1st |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-by-october-1st/78166076/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> but work was delayed because of a strike at the granite supplier's quarry.<ref name="p573644641">{{cite news |date=20 Dec 1891 |title=Prospect Park Improvements: the New Breeze Hill Bridge--Work on the Soldiers Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=24 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573644641}}}}</ref> The Arch Commission voted in July 1892 to install [[Incandescent light bulb|incandescent light bulbs]] on the southern facade and to delay the installation of all the arch's sculptures.<ref name="n1501918382">{{Cite news |date=1892-07-11 |title=More Work on It |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-more-work-on-it/150191838/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1892-07-11 |title=Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-memorial-arch/78703402/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=4}}</ref> The monument ultimately cost $250,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=250000|start_year=1892|r=-3|fmt=eq}}).<ref name="p573734028" /><ref name="nyt-1892-10-11">{{Cite news |date=1892-10-11 |title=Brooklyn's Memorial Arch; to Be Unveiled on Oct. 21 -- a Committee of One Hundred. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/11/archives/brooklyns-memorial-arch-to-be-unveiled-on-oct-21-a-committee-of-one.html |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Thomas Eakins and William Rudolf O'Donovan were hired {{circa|1891}} to sculpt [[bas-relief]]s of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.<ref name="n80388906" /> The Union Granite Company also received contracts for bronze and granite [[bollard]]s around the arch, as well as carvings on the arch's spandrels.<ref name="p573969929" /> Some of the arch's stones became severely discolored shortly after they were installed, prompting allegations that iron was being used in place of granite.<ref name="n150182901">{{Cite news |date=1891-04-30 |title=James Howell |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-james-howell/150182901/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> State legislators also tried to allocate another $100,000 for the acquisition of statuary,<ref name="n78165624">{{Cite news |date=1891-04-21 |title=The Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-memorial-arch/78165624/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref><ref name="n150176471">{{Cite news |date=1891-04-21 |title=The Soldiers' Monument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-soldiers-m/150176471/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> but the effort was unsuccessful.<ref name="p573734028" /> That July, Duncan submitted designs for the arch's spandrels to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch Commission.<ref name="n78166076" /> The arch was supposed to have been completed in late 1891,<ref name="n150176471" /><ref name="n78166076">{{Cite news |date=1891-07-16 |title=By October 1st |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-by-october-1st/78166076/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> but work was delayed because of a strike at the granite supplier's quarry.<ref name="p573644641">{{cite news |date=20 Dec 1891 |title=Prospect Park Improvements: the New Breeze Hill Bridge—Work on the Soldiers Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=24 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573644641}}}}</ref> The Arch Commission voted in July 1892 to install [[incandescent light bulb]]s on the southern facade and to delay the installation of all the arch's sculptures.<ref name="n1501918382">{{Cite news |date=1892-07-11 |title=More Work on It |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-more-work-on-it/150191838/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1892-07-11 |title=Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-memorial-arch/78703402/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=4}}</ref> The monument ultimately cost $250,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=250000|start_year=1892|r=-3|fmt=eq}}).<ref name="p573734028" /><ref name="nyt-1892-10-11">{{Cite news |date=1892-10-11 |title=Brooklyn's Memorial Arch; to Be Unveiled on Oct. 21 a Committee of One Hundred. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/11/archives/brooklyns-memorial-arch-to-be-unveiled-on-oct-21-a-committee-of-one.html |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


== Completion and modifications ==
== Completion and modifications ==
The arch was dedicated on October 21, 1892, with a ceremony led by U.S. president [[Grover Cleveland]];<ref name="nyt-1892-10-22">{{Cite news |date=1892-10-22 |title=The Memorial Arch Dedicated.; Much Patriotic Enthusiasm in- Spired by the Exercises. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/22/archives/the-memorial-arch-dedicated-much-patriotic-enthusiasm-in-spired-by.html |access-date=2024-06-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1892-10-21 |title=We Honor the Name |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-we-honor-the-na/150068805/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1892-10-22 |title=Brooklyn's Great Parade |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-brooklyns-great-parade/150068841/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |work=The Sun |pages=3}}</ref> the ceremony coincided with a citywide celebration of the 400th anniversary of [[Christopher Columbus]]'s expedition to the Americas.<ref name="nyt-1892-10-112">{{Cite news |date=1892-10-11 |title=Brooklyn's Memorial Arch: to Be Unveiled on Oct. 21 -- a Committee of One Hundred. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/11/archives/brooklyns-memorial-arch-to-be-unveiled-on-oct-21-a-committee-of-one.html |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1892-09-29 |title=To Celebrate |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-to-celebrate/150191710/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> When the arch was completed, the area around its base was devoid of plantings and ornamentation.<ref name="p573734028" /> There were proposals to plant grass plots and flower beds in the plaza, as well as add statuary to the arch, after the monument was completed.<ref name="p573807783">{{cite news |date=12 Feb 1893 |title=A New Granite Gateway: Another Adornment for Prospect Park |work=New-York Tribune |page=21 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573807783}}}}</ref> After the arch's dedication, the lights on the arch were not reactivated until January 1894.<ref name="p573893798">{{cite news |date=15 Jan 1894 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573893798}}}}</ref> The [[New-York Tribune|''New-York Tribune'']] also alleged that the arch's construction had been mismanaged and that several construction contracts had been grossly overpriced, such as the contract for the electric lights.<ref name="p573969929" /><ref name="n150175144" /> The room atop the monument also remained empty for several years after its completion.<ref name="p126739203" />
The arch was dedicated on October 21, 1892, with a ceremony led by U.S. President [[Grover Cleveland]].<ref name="nyt-1892-10-22">{{Cite news |date=1892-10-22 |title=The Memorial Arch Dedicated.; Much Patriotic Enthusiasm in- Spired by the Exercises. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/22/archives/the-memorial-arch-dedicated-much-patriotic-enthusiasm-in-spired-by.html |access-date=2024-06-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1892-10-21 |title=We Honor the Name |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-we-honor-the-na/150068805/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1892-10-22 |title=Brooklyn's Great Parade |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-brooklyns-great-parade/150068841/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |work=The Sun |pages=3}}</ref> The ceremony coincided with a citywide celebration of the 400th anniversary of [[Christopher Columbus]]'s expedition to the Americas.<ref name="nyt-1892-10-112">{{Cite news |date=1892-10-11 |title=Brooklyn's Memorial Arch: to Be Unveiled on Oct. 21 a Committee of One Hundred. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/11/archives/brooklyns-memorial-arch-to-be-unveiled-on-oct-21-a-committee-of-one.html |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1892-09-29 |title=To Celebrate |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-to-celebrate/150191710/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> When the arch was completed, the area around its base was devoid of plantings and ornamentation.<ref name="p573734028" /> There were proposals to plant grass plots and flower beds in the plaza, as well as add statuary to the arch, after the monument was completed.<ref name="p573807783">{{cite news |date=12 Feb 1893 |title=A New Granite Gateway: Another Adornment for Prospect Park |work=New-York Tribune |page=21 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573807783}}}}</ref> After the arch's dedication, the lights on the arch were not reactivated until January 1894.<ref name="p573893798">{{cite news |date=15 Jan 1894 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573893798}}}}</ref> The [[New-York Tribune|''New-York Tribune'']] also alleged that the arch's construction had been mismanaged and that several construction contracts had been grossly overpriced, such as the contract for the electric lights.<ref name="p573969929" /><ref name="n150175144" /> The room atop the monument also remained empty for several years after its completion.<ref name="p126739203" />


=== Installation of bas-reliefs and sculptures ===
=== Installation of bas-reliefs and sculptures ===
[[File:Brooklyn_Grand_Army_Plaza_Lincoln.JPG|alt=A bas-relief of Abraham Lincoln on horseback, located within the archway opening|thumb|The Lincoln bas-relief was one of two reliefs that [[Thomas Eakins]] and [[William Rudolf O'Donovan]] designed for the arch.]]
[[File:Brooklyn_Grand_Army_Plaza_Lincoln.JPG|alt=A bas-relief of Abraham Lincoln on horseback, located within the archway opening|thumb|The Lincoln bas-relief was one of two reliefs that [[Thomas Eakins]] and [[William Rudolf O'Donovan]] designed for the arch.]]
Brooklyn Park Commissioner Frank Squire engaged [[Frederick MacMonnies]] to design a [[quadriga]], or chariot with four horses, above the arch in October 1894.<ref name="p573969665">{{cite news |date=19 Oct 1894 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: a Bronze Quadriga for the Arch Gathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573969665}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1894-10-18 |title=Art at the Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-art-at-the-park/80652638/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> MacMonnies was also hired to design two other sculptural groups next to the arch's base.<ref name="p5743107782" /><ref name="nyt-1899-02-122">{{Cite news |date=1899-02-12 |title=New Groups by MacMonnies. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/02/12/archives/new-groups-by-macmonnies.html |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Eakins's and Donovan's bas-reliefs of Grand and Lincoln were installed during late 1895.<ref name="p574085989">{{cite news |date=22 Sep 1895 |title=Completing the Soldiers' Arch: It is Expected That the Macmonnies Quadriga Will Be in Place Before the End of the Year |work=New-York Tribune |page=14 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574085989}}}}</ref><ref name="n150198984">{{Cite news |date=1895-12-19 |title=Arch Bas Reliefs in Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-arch-bas-relief/150198984/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4}}</ref> The bas-reliefs were controversial, and critics regarded them as being of poor quality.<ref name="n150198984" /><ref name="p574133690">{{cite news |date=5 Jan 1896 |title=Art Works Criticized: the New Bronze Panels in the Brooklyn Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-art-works-criticized-t/150200849/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=New-York Tribune |page=16 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574133690}}}}</ref> Brooklyn park commissioner Timothy L. Woodruff initially refused to allocate $7,500 toward the bas-reliefs' $17,500 cost,<ref name="n80654309">{{Cite news |date=1896-02-19 |title=Grant and Lincoln |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-grant-and-lincoln/80654309/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1896-02-20 |title=No Art in It, Says Woodruff |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-no-art-in-it-says-woodruff/150199537/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Sun |pages=7 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1896-02-21 |title=M. J. Power is Sanguine |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-m-j-power-is-sangui/150199592/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The New York Times |pages=5}}</ref> but he ultimately agreed to provide the funds in July 1896.<ref name="p574207181">{{cite news |date=15 Jul 1896 |title=The City Owns the Panels: Final Payment of $7,500 for the Reliefs on the Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574207181}}}}</ref> Additionally, as part of a renovation of Prospect Park Plaza, new lamps were installed, and several laurels and evergreens were planted around the monument to draw attention away from its bare walls. In addition, the bollards at the arch's base were moved, and workers installed a heavy bronze chain connecting the bollards.<ref name="p574085989" /><ref name="n150199120">{{Cite news |date=1896-05-16 |title=Prospect Park Improvements |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-prospect-park-improvements/150199120/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=18}}</ref> A [[Road surface|pavement]] was also laid around the base of the arch.<ref name="n150199120" /><ref name="n150137345">{{Cite news |date=1896-04-24 |title=Prospect Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-prospect-park/150137345/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=5}}</ref>
Brooklyn Park Commissioner Frank Squire engaged [[Frederick MacMonnies]] to design a [[quadriga]], or chariot with four horses, above the arch in October 1894.<ref name="p573969665">{{cite news |date=19 Oct 1894 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: a Bronze Quadriga for the Arch Gathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573969665}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1894-10-18 |title=Art at the Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-art-at-the-park/80652638/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1}}</ref> MacMonnies was also hired to design two other sculptural groups next to the arch's base.<ref name="p5743107782" /><ref name="nyt-1899-02-122">{{Cite news |date=1899-02-12 |title=New Groups by MacMonnies. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/02/12/archives/new-groups-by-macmonnies.html |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Eakins's and Donovan's bas-reliefs of Grand and Lincoln were installed during late 1895.<ref name="p574085989">{{cite news |date=22 Sep 1895 |title=Completing the Soldiers' Arch: It is Expected That the Macmonnies Quadriga Will Be in Place Before the End of the Year |work=New-York Tribune |page=14 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574085989}}}}</ref><ref name="n150198984">{{Cite news |date=1895-12-19 |title=Arch Bas Reliefs in Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-arch-bas-relief/150198984/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4}}</ref> The bas-reliefs were controversial, and critics regarded them as being of poor quality.<ref name="n150198984" /><ref name="p574133690">{{cite news |date=5 Jan 1896 |title=Art Works Criticized: the New Bronze Panels in the Brooklyn Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-art-works-criticized-t/150200849/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=New-York Tribune |page=16 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574133690}}}}</ref> Brooklyn park commissioner Timothy L. Woodruff initially refused to pay $7,500 of the bas-reliefs' $17,500 cost,<ref name="n80654309">{{Cite news |date=1896-02-19 |title=Grant and Lincoln |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-grant-and-lincoln/80654309/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1896-02-20 |title=No Art in It, Says Woodruff |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-no-art-in-it-says-woodruff/150199537/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Sun |pages=7 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1896-02-21 |title=M. J. Power is Sanguine |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-m-j-power-is-sangui/150199592/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The New York Times |pages=5}}</ref> but he eventuallyagreed to provide the funds in July 1896.<ref name="p574207181">{{cite news |date=15 Jul 1896 |title=The City Owns the Panels: Final Payment of $7,500 for the Reliefs on the Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574207181}}}}</ref> Additionally, as part of a renovation of Prospect Park Plaza, new lamps were installed, and several laurels and evergreens were planted around the monument to draw attention away from its bare walls. In addition, the bollards at the arch's base were moved, and workers installed a heavy bronze chain connecting the bollards.<ref name="p574085989" /><ref name="n150199120">{{Cite news |date=1896-05-16 |title=Prospect Park Improvements |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-prospect-park-improvements/150199120/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=18}}</ref> A [[Road surface|pavement]] was also laid around the base of the arch.<ref name="n150199120" /><ref name="n150137345">{{Cite news |date=1896-04-24 |title=Prospect Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-prospect-park/150137345/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=5}}</ref>


Meanwhile, MacMonnies designed the arch's sculptures at his studio in Paris's [[Latin Quarter, Paris|Latin Quarter]];<ref name="p574062058">{{cite news |date=28 July 1895 |title=American Sculpture: Work Which MacMonnies is Doing for Brooklyn--Glimpses of a Working Studio |work=New-York Tribune |page=23 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574062058}}}}</ref> he was still sketching out the Army and Navy sculptures by mid-1896.<ref name="p574210237">{{cite news |date=23 Aug 1896 |title=Work on the Bronzes: Present Stage of Mr. MacMonnies's Park Plaza Contracts the Quadriga for the Arch Well Advanced--first Sketches Made for the Army and Navy Groups--what the Sculptor Says in a Letter to Expark Commissioner Squire |work=New-York Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574210237}}}}</ref> By June 1897, the design of the quadriga was finished.<ref name="p574310778">{{cite news |date=29 June 1897 |title=News of Brooklyn: Art Works Nearly Ready Macmonnies Busily Engaged on the Groups for the City the Quadriga for the Plaza Arch to Be Cast Soon--other Statues Being Completed in His Paris Studio |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-art-works-nearly-ready/150204181/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=New-York Tribune |page=4 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574310778}}}}</ref> MacMonnies used a different cast for each of the figures, such that none of the figures were identical.<ref name="n150204099">{{Cite news |date=1897-01-16 |title=The Brooklyn Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-brooklyn-quadriga/150204099/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=2}}</ref> The [[Grand Army of the Republic]] (GAR) preferred that the sculptures be completed by [[Memorial Day]] in 1898, as they wanted to invite MacMonnies to see the dedication of his own work.<ref name="p574370049">{{cite news |date=14 Nov 1897 |title=Memorial Arch Statuary: Grand Army Men Wish to Unveil It on Memorial Day if Macmonnies Can Finish It in Time They Will Have an Extensive, Celebration and Invite the Sculptor to Be a Guest of Honor Be a Guest of Honor |work=New-York Tribune |page=A5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574370049}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1897-11-15 |title=MacMonnies' Masterpieces |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-macmonnies-masterpie/80852797/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=3}}</ref> The quadriga was shipped to the United States in August 1898.<ref name="n150172305">{{Cite news |date=1898-08-15 |title=Arrival of Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-arrival-of-quadriga/150172305/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=8 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1898-08-15 |title=For Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-for-memorial-arch/150172262/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=2}}</ref> Although the arch was strong enough to carry the quadriga,<ref name="n150206006">{{Cite news |date=1898-05-11 |title=Bronze Pieces for the Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bronze-pieces-for-the/150206006/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=8}}</ref> a granite foundation for it had to be built on the arch's roof.<ref name="p574534546">{{cite news |date=6 Nov 1898 |title=Brooklyn's Quadriga: It is Being Placed on the Memorial Arch the Latest Work of Frederick Macmonnies to Stand at the Entrance to Prospect Park |work=New-York Tribune |page=C10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574534546}}}}</ref><ref name="n150205550">{{Cite news |date=1898-10-28 |title=Work on the Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-the-qua/150205550/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=16 |postscript=}}</ref> The quadriga's installation was delayed because workers had to wait for MacMonnies's foreman to come to the U.S.,<ref name="n150205550" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=1898-10-29 |title=Paris Letter |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-life-paris-letter/150205360/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Brooklyn Life |pages=14}}</ref> but the sculpture was in place by the end of 1898.<ref name="p574534546" /><ref name="n80973475">{{Cite news |date=1898-12-04 |title=Quadriga in Its Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-quadriga-in-its/80973475/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=31}}</ref> MacMonnies had completed the cast of the Army statues by that November,<ref name="p5745302112">{{cite news |date=20 Nov 1898 |title=Sculpture for the Park: the Macmonnies Model of the Bronze for Brooklyn's Arch Finished--the Third-st. Entrance |work=New-York Tribune |page=S1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574530211}}}}</ref> while the models for the Navy statues were finished by 1899.<ref name="n150206232">{{Cite news |date=1899-07-23 |title=Art Gossip |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-art-gossip/150206232/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=19}}</ref>
Meanwhile, MacMonnies designed the arch's sculptures at his studio in Paris's [[Latin Quarter, Paris|Latin Quarter]];<ref name="p574062058">{{cite news |date=28 July 1895 |title=American Sculpture: Work Which MacMonnies is Doing for Brooklyn—Glimpses of a Working Studio |work=New-York Tribune |page=23 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574062058}}}}</ref> he was still sketching out the Army and Navy sculptures by mid-1896.<ref name="p574210237">{{cite news |date=23 Aug 1896 |title=Work on the Bronzes: Present Stage of Mr. MacMonnies's Park Plaza Contracts the Quadriga for the Arch Well Advanced—first Sketches Made for the Army and Navy Groups—what the Sculptor Says in a Letter to Expark Commissioner Squire |work=New-York Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574210237}}}}</ref> By June 1897, the design of the quadriga was finished.<ref name="p574310778">{{cite news |date=29 June 1897 |title=News of Brooklyn: Art Works Nearly Ready Macmonnies Busily Engaged on the Groups for the City the Quadriga for the Plaza Arch to Be Cast Soon—other Statues Being Completed in His Paris Studio |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-art-works-nearly-ready/150204181/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=New-York Tribune |page=4 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574310778}}}}</ref> MacMonnies used a different cast for each of the figures, such that none of the figures were identical.<ref name="n150204099">{{Cite news |date=1897-01-16 |title=The Brooklyn Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-brooklyn-quadriga/150204099/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=2}}</ref> The [[Grand Army of the Republic]] (GAR) preferred that the sculptures be completed by [[Memorial Day]] in 1898, as they wanted to invite MacMonnies to see the dedication of his own work.<ref name="p574370049">{{cite news |date=14 Nov 1897 |title=Memorial Arch Statuary: Grand Army Men Wish to Unveil It on Memorial Day if Macmonnies Can Finish It in Time They Will Have an Extensive, Celebration and Invite the Sculptor to Be a Guest of Honor Be a Guest of Honor |work=New-York Tribune |page=A5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574370049}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1897-11-15 |title=MacMonnies' Masterpieces |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-macmonnies-masterpie/80852797/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=3}}</ref> The quadriga was shipped to the United States in August 1898.<ref name="n150172305">{{Cite news |date=1898-08-15 |title=Arrival of Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-arrival-of-quadriga/150172305/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=8 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1898-08-15 |title=For Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-for-memorial-arch/150172262/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=Times Union |pages=2}}</ref> Although the arch was strong enough to carry the quadriga,<ref name="n150206006">{{Cite news |date=1898-05-11 |title=Bronze Pieces for the Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bronze-pieces-for-the/150206006/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=8}}</ref> a granite foundation for it had to be built on the arch's roof.<ref name="p574534546">{{cite news |date=6 Nov 1898 |title=Brooklyn's Quadriga: It is Being Placed on the Memorial Arch the Latest Work of Frederick Macmonnies to Stand at the Entrance to Prospect Park |work=New-York Tribune |page=C10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574534546}}}}</ref><ref name="n150205550">{{Cite news |date=1898-10-28 |title=Work on the Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-the-qua/150205550/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=16 |postscript=}}</ref> The quadriga's installation was delayed because workers had to wait for MacMonnies's foreman to come to the U.S.,<ref name="n150205550" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=1898-10-29 |title=Paris Letter |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-life-paris-letter/150205360/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Brooklyn Life |pages=14}}</ref> but the sculpture was in place by the end of 1898.<ref name="p574534546" /><ref name="n80973475">{{Cite news |date=1898-12-04 |title=Quadriga in Its Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-quadriga-in-its/80973475/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=31}}</ref> MacMonnies had completed the cast of the Army statues by that November,<ref name="p5745302112">{{cite news |date=20 Nov 1898 |title=Sculpture for the Park: the Macmonnies Model of the Bronze for Brooklyn's Arch Finished—the Third-st. Entrance |work=New-York Tribune |page=S1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574530211}}}}</ref> while the models for the Navy statues were finished by 1899.<ref name="n150206232">{{Cite news |date=1899-07-23 |title=Art Gossip |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-art-gossip/150206232/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=19}}</ref>


The Army sculptures were completed by March 1900<ref name="n150232249">{{Cite news |date=1900-03-27 |title=More MacMonnies Groups |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-more-macmonnies/150232249/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2}}</ref> and shipped to the U.S. that July.<ref name="n150232500">{{Cite news |date=1900-09-23 |title=MacMonnies Group Soon to Be in Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-macmonnies-grou/150232500/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> MacMonnies initially refused to install the sculptures<ref name="n150231954">{{Cite news |date=1900-08-02 |title=Sculpture Group Not Placed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-sculpture-group/150231954/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1900-08-02 |title=Trouble Over the Statue |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-trouble-over-the-stat/150231936/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=6}}</ref><ref name="n150232652">{{Cite news |date=1900-08-02 |title=Wrangle Over MacMonnies' Groups |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-wrangle-over-macmonnies-gro/150232652/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Times Union |pages=8}}</ref> but ultimately relented after being notified that he would not be paid unless the sculptures were installed.<ref name="n150232103">{{Cite news |date=1900-08-02 |title=Macmonnies Group Arrives |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-macmonnies-group-arri/150232103/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The New York Times |pages=12 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1900-08-03 |title=Will Erect the Group |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-will-erect-the-group/150232159/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=2}}</ref><ref name="p570844659">{{cite news |date=23 Sep 1900 |title=Macmonnies in Trouble: Difficulties Encountered in Placing the Army Group |work=New-York Tribune |page=A11 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|570844659}}}}</ref> Additionally, the sculptures' black iron frames had to be replaced with galvanized iron before they were installed,<ref name="n150232500" /> and one of the Army sculptures' heads had to be replaced because there was insufficient space.<ref name="n150232500" /><ref name="p570844659" /><ref name="n150232764">{{Cite news |date=1900-09-24 |title=Bronze Group for Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bronze-group-for-plaz/150232764/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=10}}</ref> The Army sculptures were in place by November 1900.<ref name="p128281849">{{Cite magazine |date=Nov 1, 1900 |title=Art Notes |work=The Art Interchange |page=114 |volume=45 |issue=5 |id={{pq|128281849}}}}</ref> The Navy sculptures were damaged while being shipped to the U.S..<ref name="n150235860">{{Cite news |date=1901-02-26 |title=Navy Group for Arch Removed for Repairs--marines |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-navy-group-for-arch/81118441/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1901-02-28 |title=MacMonnies' Group Accident |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-macmonnies-group-accident/150235860/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Times Union |pages=6}}</ref><ref name="BD p. 352">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|page=35}}</ref> They were repaired at the Barnard studio in Manhattan,<ref name="n150240622">{{Cite news |date=1901-04-05 |title=MacMonnies Group Repaired |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-macmonnies-grou/150240622/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> then transported across the [[Brooklyn Bridge]] for installation.<ref name="n150237653">{{Cite news |date=1901-04-09 |title=Statuary for Plaza Arch Held Up at the Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-statuary-for-pl/150237653/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1901-04-10 |title=Crowds Gaze at MacMonnies Group |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-crowds-gaze-at-macmonni/150237677/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=5}}</ref> Pulleys were used to hoist the sculptures onto the pedestals,<ref name="BD p. 36" /> and the sculptures were dedicated on April 13, 1901.<ref name="BD p. 36" /><ref name="n150237491">{{Cite news |date=1901-04-13 |title=Navy Group in Place; Arch is Now Complete |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-navy-group-in-p/150237491/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1901-04-14 |title=The Arch in Prospect Park Complete |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-arch-in-prospect-pa/150237769/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=20 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1901-04-14 |title=Navy Group in Position |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-navy-group-in-positio/150237547/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The New York Times |pages=5}}</ref> The Army and Navy sculptures cost $50,000<ref name="n150232652" /> or $60,000 in total.<ref name="p128281849" /> The eagles atop the arch, also designed by MacMonnies, were installed in late 1901.<ref name="n150240448">{{Cite news |date=1901-10-27 |title=Eagles for the Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-eagles-for-the/150240448/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=14}}</ref>
The Army sculptures were completed by March 1900<ref name="n150232249">{{Cite news |date=1900-03-27 |title=More MacMonnies Groups |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-more-macmonnies/150232249/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2}}</ref> and shipped to the U.S. that July.<ref name="n150232500">{{Cite news |date=1900-09-23 |title=MacMonnies Group Soon to Be in Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-macmonnies-grou/150232500/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> MacMonnies initially refused to install the sculptures himself.<ref name="n150231954">{{Cite news |date=1900-08-02 |title=Sculpture Group Not Placed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-sculpture-group/150231954/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1900-08-02 |title=Trouble Over the Statue |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-trouble-over-the-stat/150231936/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=6}}</ref><ref name="n150232652">{{Cite news |date=1900-08-02 |title=Wrangle Over MacMonnies' Groups |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-wrangle-over-macmonnies-gro/150232652/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Times Union |pages=8}}</ref> He ultimately relented after being notified that he would not be paid unless the sculptures were installed.<ref name="n150232103">{{Cite news |date=1900-08-02 |title=Macmonnies Group Arrives |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-macmonnies-group-arri/150232103/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The New York Times |pages=12 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1900-08-03 |title=Will Erect the Group |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-will-erect-the-group/150232159/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=2}}</ref><ref name="p570844659">{{cite news |date=23 Sep 1900 |title=Macmonnies in Trouble: Difficulties Encountered in Placing the Army Group |work=New-York Tribune |page=A11 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|570844659}}}}</ref> Additionally, the sculptures' black iron frames had to be replaced with galvanized iron before they were installed,<ref name="n150232500" /> and one of the Army sculptures' heads had to be replaced because there was insufficient space.<ref name="n150232500" /><ref name="p570844659" /><ref name="n150232764">{{Cite news |date=1900-09-24 |title=Bronze Group for Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bronze-group-for-plaz/150232764/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Standard Union |pages=10}}</ref> The Army sculptures were in place by November 1900.<ref name="p128281849">{{Cite magazine |date=Nov 1, 1900 |title=Art Notes |work=The Art Interchange |page=114 |volume=45 |issue=5 |id={{pq|128281849}}}}</ref> The Navy sculptures were damaged while being shipped to the U.S..<ref name="n150235860">{{Cite news |date=1901-02-26 |title=Navy Group for Arch Removed for Repairs—marines |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-navy-group-for-arch/81118441/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1901-02-28 |title=MacMonnies' Group Accident |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-macmonnies-group-accident/150235860/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Times Union |pages=6}}</ref><ref name="BD p. 352">{{harvnb|Berenson|DeMause|2001|ps=.|page=35}}</ref> They were repaired at the Barnard studio in Manhattan,<ref name="n150240622">{{Cite news |date=1901-04-05 |title=MacMonnies Group Repaired |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-macmonnies-grou/150240622/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> then transported across the [[Brooklyn Bridge]] for installation.<ref name="n150237653">{{Cite news |date=1901-04-09 |title=Statuary for Plaza Arch Held Up at the Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-statuary-for-pl/150237653/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1901-04-10 |title=Crowds Gaze at MacMonnies Group |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-crowds-gaze-at-macmonni/150237677/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=5}}</ref> Pulleys were used to hoist the sculptures onto the pedestals,<ref name="BD p. 36" /> and the sculptures were dedicated on April 13, 1901.<ref name="BD p. 36" /><ref name="n150237491">{{Cite news |date=1901-04-13 |title=Navy Group in Place; Arch is Now Complete |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-navy-group-in-p/150237491/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1901-04-14 |title=The Arch in Prospect Park Complete |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-arch-in-prospect-pa/150237769/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=20 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1901-04-14 |title=Navy Group in Position |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-navy-group-in-positio/150237547/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The New York Times |pages=5}}</ref> The Army and Navy sculptures cost $50,000<ref name="n150232652" /> or $60,000 in total.<ref name="p128281849" /> The eagles atop the arch, also designed by MacMonnies, were installed in late 1901.<ref name="n150240448">{{Cite news |date=1901-10-27 |title=Eagles for the Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-eagles-for-the/150240448/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=14}}</ref>


=== 20th century ===
=== 20th century ===
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==== Early and mid-20th century ====
==== Early and mid-20th century ====
Brooklyn park commissioner James J. Browne requested $6,000 in 1929 to repair the arch, saying one of the quadriga's horses had come loose.<ref name="p2261178525a">{{cite news |date=April 19, 1929 |title=Horse on Soldier's Monument Needs Curb to Keep It Quiet |work=New York Daily News |page=548 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|2261178525}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1929-04-18 |title=Horses on Arch May Fall |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-horses-on-arch-may-fall/150334817/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=Times Union |pages=3}}</ref> NYC Parks solicited bids for the arch's renovation in June 1930,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1930-06-18 |title=Repair Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/home-talk-the-item-repair-memorial-arch/150335656/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=Home Talk the Item |pages=13}}</ref> and workers began repairing the arch's stonework later that year.<ref name="n150335298">{{Cite news |date=1930-11-14 |title=Horses Loose on Soldiers' Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-horses-loose-on/150335298/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3}}</ref> NYC Parks announced in 1935 that it would clean the arch again when funds were allocated. The project would include cleaning the granite and the Army and Navy sculptural groups, as well as repairs to the brick pavement, bas-reliefs, and [[Electrolier|electroliers]].<ref name="n150335906">{{Cite news |last=Schnipelsky |first=A.I. |date=1935-08-18 |title=Memorial Arch Due to Be Cleaned Soon |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-memorial-arch-d/150335906/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=7}}</ref> City officials said in 1937 that there would be no funding for the arch's restoration for at least a year,<ref name="n150372777">{{Cite news |date=1937-05-21 |title=Spring Cleaning for Arch a Year Away |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-spring-cleaning-for-arch-a-ye/150372777/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=484}}</ref> but, by 1938, no renovations were being planned for the arch itself.<ref name="n150365128">{{Cite news |date=1938-08-19 |title=WPA to Beautify Island on Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-wpa-to-beautify/150365128/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=9}}</ref> The arch was not illuminated during World War II due to wartime [[Blackout (wartime)|blackout]] regulations.<ref name="n150334508" /> In 1941, Brooklyn borough president [[John Cashmore]] suggested illuminating the monument at night,<ref name="n150334508">{{Cite news |date=1941-05-22 |title=Plan to Illuminate Arch at Grand Army Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-to-illumin/150334508/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3}}</ref> although the Board of Estimate voted to defer the installation of the lights until after the end of the war, citing a lack of funds.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1942-01-30 |title=Prospect Park Arch Blackout Will Continue Until War Ends |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-prospect-park-a/150374253/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=7}}</ref> The lights were installed in November 1945 after the Board of Estimate allocated $3,500 to pay for new floodlights.<ref name="n150373829">{{Cite news |date=1945-11-05 |title=Floodlights Illuminate Boro Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-floodlights-ill/150373829/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3}}</ref>
Brooklyn park commissioner James J. Browne requested $6,000 in 1929 to repair the arch, saying one of the quadriga's horses had come loose.<ref name="p2261178525a">{{cite news |date=April 19, 1929 |title=Horse on Soldier's Monument Needs Curb to Keep It Quiet |work=New York Daily News |page=548 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|2261178525}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1929-04-18 |title=Horses on Arch May Fall |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-horses-on-arch-may-fall/150334817/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=Times Union |pages=3}}</ref> NYC Parks solicited bids for the arch's renovation in June 1930,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1930-06-18 |title=Repair Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/home-talk-the-item-repair-memorial-arch/150335656/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=Home Talk the Item |pages=13}}</ref> and workers began repairing the arch's stonework later that year.<ref name="n150335298">{{Cite news |date=1930-11-14 |title=Horses Loose on Soldiers' Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-horses-loose-on/150335298/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3}}</ref> NYC Parks announced in 1935 that it would clean the arch again when funds were allocated. The project would include cleaning the granite and the Army and Navy sculptural groups, as well as repairs to the brick pavement, bas-reliefs, and [[electrolier]]s.<ref name="n150335906">{{Cite news |last=Schnipelsky |first=A.I. |date=1935-08-18 |title=Memorial Arch Due to Be Cleaned Soon |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-memorial-arch-d/150335906/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=7}}</ref> City officials said in 1937 that there would be no funding for the arch's restoration for at least a year,<ref name="n150372777">{{Cite news |date=1937-05-21 |title=Spring Cleaning for Arch a Year Away |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-spring-cleaning-for-arch-a-ye/150372777/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=484}}</ref> but, by 1938, no renovations were being planned for the arch itself.<ref name="n150365128">{{Cite news |date=1938-08-19 |title=WPA to Beautify Island on Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-wpa-to-beautify/150365128/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=9}}</ref> The arch was not illuminated during World War II due to wartime [[Blackout (wartime)|blackout]] regulations.<ref name="n150334508" /> In 1941, Brooklyn borough president [[John Cashmore]] suggested illuminating the monument at night,<ref name="n150334508">{{Cite news |date=1941-05-22 |title=Plan to Illuminate Arch at Grand Army Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-to-illumin/150334508/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3}}</ref> although the Board of Estimate voted to defer the installation of the lights until after the end of the war, citing a lack of funds.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1942-01-30 |title=Prospect Park Arch Blackout Will Continue Until War Ends |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-prospect-park-a/150374253/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=7}}</ref> The lights were installed in November 1945 after the Board of Estimate allocated $3,500 to pay for new floodlights.<ref name="n150373829">{{Cite news |date=1945-11-05 |title=Floodlights Illuminate Boro Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-floodlights-ill/150373829/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3}}</ref>


A piece of copper [[Flashing (weatherproofing)|flashing]] near the arch's roof was knocked loose following a storm in 1952,<ref name="n150377539">{{Cite news |date=1952-10-17 |title=Plan Repair Work on Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-repair-wor/150377539/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=8 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1952-06-01 |title=Statues on Monument Begin to Show Years |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-statues-on-monument-begin-to/150377352/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=540}}</ref> prompting NYC Parks officials to plan emergency repairs.<ref name="n150377230">{{Cite news |last=Noonan |first=Dan |date=1953-04-15 |title=Rush Memorial Arch Emergency Repairs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rush-memorial-a/150377230/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4}}</ref><ref name="n150376628">{{Cite news |date=1953-04-10 |title=Age Ravaging Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-age-ravaging-memorial-arch/150376628/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=47}}</ref> The flashing was removed pending permanent repairs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-05-08 |title=Repair Grand Army Plaza Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-repair-grand-army-plaza-arch/150379809/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=628}}</ref> NYC Parks engineers found that the original quadriga had a design flaw;<ref name="n150377230" /> the bronze sculptures were mounted directly to a steel support frame, which had begun to flake over time due to water damage.<ref name="p1323105345">{{cite news |last=Ross |first=Don |date=20 Mar 1954 |title=Seek Funds to Repair City Statues |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1323105345}}}}</ref> Engineers initially estimated that the repairs would cost $30,000, though this was later reduced to $16,000.<ref name="n150378601a">{{Cite news |last=Noonan |first=Dan |date=1954-01-14 |title=16-G Request on Tap to Bolster Boro Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-16-g-request-on/150378601/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=14 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1954-01-22 |title=Arch Statuary Safe If— |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-statuary-safe-if/150377677/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=71}}</ref> NYC Parks requested funds for the renovation in early 1954,<ref name="n150378601a" /><ref name="p1323105345" /> and the quadriga's steel frame was renovated during the mid-1950s.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1964-08-30 |title=Lollypops and Love Hardest on Stone Art |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lollypops-and-love-hardest-on/150380096/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=575}}</ref> Due to funding shortages, the floodlights were turned off before the 1960s.<ref name="n150380010">{{Cite news |date=1962-05-07 |title=Stark, Morris Support Plaza Floodlighting |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-stark-morris-support-plaza-f/150380010/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=60 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1962-05-11 |title=To Glow Again? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/greenpoint-weekly-star-to-glow-again/150380468/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=Greenpoint Weekly Star |pages=10}}</ref>
A piece of copper [[Flashing (weatherproofing)|flashing]] near the arch's roof was knocked loose following a storm in 1952,<ref name="n150377539">{{Cite news |date=1952-10-17 |title=Plan Repair Work on Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-repair-wor/150377539/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=8 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1952-06-01 |title=Statues on Monument Begin to Show Years |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-statues-on-monument-begin-to/150377352/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=540}}</ref> prompting NYC Parks officials to plan emergency repairs.<ref name="n150377230">{{Cite news |last=Noonan |first=Dan |date=1953-04-15 |title=Rush Memorial Arch Emergency Repairs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rush-memorial-a/150377230/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4}}</ref><ref name="n150376628">{{Cite news |date=1953-04-10 |title=Age Ravaging Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-age-ravaging-memorial-arch/150376628/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=47}}</ref> The flashing was removed pending permanent repairs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-05-08 |title=Repair Grand Army Plaza Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-repair-grand-army-plaza-arch/150379809/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=628}}</ref> NYC Parks engineers found that the original quadriga had a design flaw;<ref name="n150377230" /> the bronze sculptures were mounted directly to a steel support frame, which had begun to flake over time due to water damage.<ref name="p1323105345">{{cite news |last=Ross |first=Don |date=20 Mar 1954 |title=Seek Funds to Repair City Statues |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1323105345}}}}</ref> Engineers initially estimated that the repairs would cost $30,000, though this was later reduced to $16,000.<ref name="n150378601a">{{Cite news |last=Noonan |first=Dan |date=1954-01-14 |title=16-G Request on Tap to Bolster Boro Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-16-g-request-on/150378601/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=14 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1954-01-22 |title=Arch Statuary Safe If— |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-statuary-safe-if/150377677/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=71}}</ref> NYC Parks requested funds for the renovation in early 1954,<ref name="n150378601a" /><ref name="p1323105345" /> and the quadriga's steel frame was renovated during the mid-1950s.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1964-08-30 |title=Lollypops and Love Hardest on Stone Art |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lollypops-and-love-hardest-on/150380096/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=575}}</ref> Due to funding shortages, the floodlights were turned off before the 1960s.<ref name="n150380010">{{Cite news |date=1962-05-07 |title=Stark, Morris Support Plaza Floodlighting |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-stark-morris-support-plaza-f/150380010/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=60 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1962-05-11 |title=To Glow Again? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/greenpoint-weekly-star-to-glow-again/150380468/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=Greenpoint Weekly Star |pages=10}}</ref>
Line 118: Line 118:


==== Late-20th-century renovations ====
==== Late-20th-century renovations ====
[[File:The Brooklyn Quadriga.jpg|thumb|The quadriga's central figure came loose during a 1976 windstorm.|alt=View of the quadriga atop the monument. The central figure came loose during a 1976 windstorm.]]By the 1970s, vandals frequently spray-painted graffiti on the arch and its sculptures.<ref name="nyt-1974-09-08">{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=David |date=1974-09-08 |title=Brooklyn: A Home of Monuments and Graffiti |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/08/archives/brooklyn-a-home-of-monuments-and-graffiti-marble-poses-problem.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> NYC Parks allocated around $147,000 in 1971 to clean the arch and install new pavement around it.<ref name="nyt-1971-08-08">{{Cite news |date=1971-08-08 |title=Brooklyn Arch Is Getting a Face‐Lifting |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/08/08/archives/brooklyn-arch-is-getting-a-facelifting.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="n150296007">{{Cite news |last=O'Flaherty |first=Mary |date=1971-06-20 |title=The Postmen Are Going to the Dogs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-doggy-days-for-postmen/150296007/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-postmen-are-going-to-the/150296064/ 104], 106}}</ref> In addition, NYC Parks planned to add new doors, gates, chains; replace the arch's bronze decorations; and reinstall damaged lampposts.<ref name="nyt-1971-08-08" /> The [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] (LPC) hosted hearings in September 1973 to determine whether the arch should be designated as a city landmark,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1973-09-23 |title=Hearing Due on Monument as Landmark |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-hearing-due-on-monument-as-la/150295512/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=98}}</ref> and the LPC granted the landmark designation in October 1973.<ref name="nyt-1973-10-21">{{Cite news |date=1973-10-21 |title=Metropolitan Briefs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/21/archives/metropolitan-briefs-judge-wright-scores-judiciary-from-the-police.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Board of Estimate approved the designation that December.<ref name="p2301964159">{{cite news |last=Toscano |first=John |date=December 7, 1973 |title=Board Approves 775G More for Interboro Safety |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-board-approves-775g-more-for/150295727/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |page=60 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|2301964159}}}}</ref>
[[File:The Brooklyn Quadriga.jpg|thumb|The quadriga's central figure came loose during a 1976 windstorm.|alt=View of the quadriga atop the monument. The central figure came loose during a 1976 windstorm.]]By the 1970s, vandals frequently spray-painted graffiti on the arch and its sculptures.<ref name="nyt-1974-09-08">{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=David |date=1974-09-08 |title=Brooklyn: A Home of Monuments and Graffiti |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/08/archives/brooklyn-a-home-of-monuments-and-graffiti-marble-poses-problem.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> NYC Parks allocated around $147,000 in 1971 to clean the arch and install new pavement around it.<ref name="nyt-1971-08-08">{{Cite news |date=1971-08-08 |title=Brooklyn Arch Is Getting a Face‐Lifting |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/08/08/archives/brooklyn-arch-is-getting-a-facelifting.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="n150296007">{{Cite news |last=O'Flaherty |first=Mary |date=1971-06-20 |title=The Postmen Are Going to the Dogs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-doggy-days-for-postmen/150296007/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-postmen-are-going-to-the/150296064/ 104], 106}}</ref> In addition, NYC Parks planned to add new doors, gates, chains; replace the arch's bronze decorations; and reinstall damaged lampposts.<ref name="nyt-1971-08-08" /> The [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] (LPC) hosted hearings in September 1973 to determine whether the arch should be designated as a city landmark,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1973-09-23 |title=Hearing Due on Monument as Landmark |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-hearing-due-on-monument-as-la/150295512/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=98}}</ref> and the LPC granted the landmark designation in October 1973.<ref name="nyt-1973-10-21">{{Cite news |date=1973-10-21 |title=Metropolitan Briefs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/21/archives/metropolitan-briefs-judge-wright-scores-judiciary-from-the-police.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Board of Estimate approved the designation that December.<ref name="p2301964159">{{cite news |last=Toscano |first=John |date=December 7, 1973 |title=Board Approves 775G More for Interboro Safety |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-board-approves-775g-more-for/150295727/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |page=60 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|2301964159}}}}</ref>


The central figure of the arch's quadriga came loose during a windstorm in October 1976;<ref name="p2302718530">{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Robert |date=1976-10-10 |title=Mother Nature Lashes Our Area |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mother-nature-lashes-our-area/150295557/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=195, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mother-nature-lashes-our-area/150295631/ 341] |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=1976-10-11 |title=Some L.I. and Westchester Homes Still Without Power After Storm |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/11/archives/some-li-and-westchester-homes-still-without-power-after-storm.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> according to Prospect Park's administrator Mariella Bisson, the figure was dangling by one screw.<ref name="n150301867" /> City parks commissioner Martin Lang estimated that the arch needed $200,000 worth of repairs,<ref name="n150295183">{{Cite news |last=Medina |first=David |date=1976-10-10 |title=B'klyn Statue Topples |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bklyn-statue-topples/150295183/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=3}}</ref> and members of the public requested that the figure be restored.<ref name="nyt-1977-12-23">{{Cite news |last=Oelsner |first=Lesley |date=1977-12-23 |title=Monumental Ills Plaguing Long‐Standing Citizens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/23/archives/monumental-ills-plaguing-longstanding-citizens-some-monumental.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Work was delayed four years due to the [[New York City fiscal crisis]].<ref name="n150297377" /> City officials presented plans for a complete restoration of the arch to the LPC in March 1979,<ref name="p2303528859">{{cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Owen |date=March 2, 1979 |title=Total Restoration Likely for the Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-total-restoration-likely-for/150295683/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |page=368 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|2303528859}}}}</ref> and a $432,000 restoration contract was awarded to [[Thomason Industries Corporation]] that November.<ref name="n150295057">{{Cite news |last=Davila |first=Albert |date=1979-11-02 |title=Victory returns atop arch next year |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-victory-returns-atop-arch-nex/150295057/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=470}}</ref> The restoration included cleaning the statues, adding waterproofing and wire mesh, applying a preservative to protect against pigeon droppings, and restoring the interior stair. <ref name="n150295057" /> The arch's restoration was part of a wider-ranging renovation of Prospect Park.<ref name="n150298229">{{Cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Owen |date=1980-01-04 |title=Grand Army Day: start arch repair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-grand-army-day-start-arch-re/150298229/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=319 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Quindlen |first=Anna |date=1980-01-04 |title=For Prospect Park, $10 Million to Recapture What It Was; Bright Hope on Sunny Day |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/01/04/archives/for-prospect-park-10-million-to-recapture-what-it-was-bright-hope.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The quadriga's central figure was reinstalled in October 1980, and the restoration was completed the same month, several weeks ahead of schedule.<ref name="n150297377" /><ref name="nyt-1980-10-25">{{Cite news |date=1980-10-25 |title=Victory Resumes Place Atop Brooklyn Arch |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/25/archives/victory-resumes-place-atop-brooklyn-arch.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The arch was seldom vandalized after its renovation was completed.<ref name="n150297163" />
The central figure of the arch's quadriga came loose during a windstorm in October 1976;<ref name="p2302718530">{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Robert |date=1976-10-10 |title=Mother Nature Lashes Our Area |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mother-nature-lashes-our-area/150295557/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=195, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mother-nature-lashes-our-area/150295631/ 341] |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=1976-10-11 |title=Some L.I. and Westchester Homes Still Without Power After Storm |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/11/archives/some-li-and-westchester-homes-still-without-power-after-storm.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> according to Prospect Park's administrator Mariella Bisson, the figure was dangling by one screw.<ref name="n150301867" /> City parks commissioner Martin Lang estimated that the arch needed $200,000 worth of repairs,<ref name="n150295183">{{Cite news |last=Medina |first=David |date=1976-10-10 |title=B'klyn Statue Topples |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bklyn-statue-topples/150295183/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=3}}</ref> and members of the public requested that the figure be restored.<ref name="nyt-1977-12-23">{{Cite news |last=Oelsner |first=Lesley |date=1977-12-23 |title=Monumental Ills Plaguing Long‐Standing Citizens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/23/archives/monumental-ills-plaguing-longstanding-citizens-some-monumental.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Work was delayed four years due to the [[New York City fiscal crisis]].<ref name="n150297377" /> City officials presented plans for a complete restoration of the arch to the LPC in March 1979,<ref name="p2303528859">{{cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Owen |date=March 2, 1979 |title=Total Restoration Likely for the Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-total-restoration-likely-for/150295683/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |page=368 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|2303528859}}}}</ref> and a $432,000 restoration contract was awarded to [[Thomason Industries Corporation]] that November.<ref name="n150295057">{{Cite news |last=Davila |first=Albert |date=1979-11-02 |title=Victory returns atop arch next year |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-victory-returns-atop-arch-nex/150295057/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=470}}</ref> The restoration included cleaning the statues, adding waterproofing and wire mesh, applying a preservative to protect against pigeon droppings, and restoring the interior stair. <ref name="n150295057" /> The arch's restoration was part of a wider-ranging renovation of Prospect Park.<ref name="n150298229">{{Cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Owen |date=1980-01-04 |title=Grand Army Day: start arch repair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-grand-army-day-start-arch-re/150298229/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=319 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Quindlen |first=Anna |date=1980-01-04 |title=For Prospect Park, $10 Million to Recapture What It Was; Bright Hope on Sunny Day |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/01/04/archives/for-prospect-park-10-million-to-recapture-what-it-was-bright-hope.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The quadriga's central figure was reinstalled in October 1980, and the restoration was completed the same month, several weeks ahead of schedule.<ref name="n150297377" /><ref name="nyt-1980-10-25">{{Cite news |date=1980-10-25 |title=Victory Resumes Place Atop Brooklyn Arch |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/25/archives/victory-resumes-place-atop-brooklyn-arch.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The arch was seldom vandalized after its renovation was completed.<ref name="n150297163" />


The roof deck reopened in 1981,<ref name="nyt-1981-11-12" /><ref name="n150298399">{{Cite news |last=Copage |first=Eric V. |date=1981-10-25 |title=Get an Arch-top view of boro |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-get-an-arch-top-view-of-boro/150298399/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=285}}</ref> and the arch's interior was also opened to the public for the first time that year.<ref name="nyt-1991-05-30" /><ref name="n150301867" /> The public was initially allowed to access the arch's interior and deck on selected Sunday afternoons,<ref name="n150297163" /><ref name="nyt-1983-10-17">{{Cite news |last=Bird |first=David |last2=Carroll |first2=Maurice |date=1983-10-17 |title=New York Day by Day |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/17/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-236401.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and 25,000 people had visited within two years of its reopening.<ref name="n150298943" /> The arch lacked a climate-control system, so the deck operated only during autumn and spring.<ref name="n150300927">{{Cite news |last=Stevenson |first=William |date=1989-10-29 |title=Still time to visit Brooklyn's 'Arc de Triomphe' |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-still-time-to-visit-brooklyn/150300927/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=426}}</ref> The arch and its deck also began hosting artwork by local artists.<ref name="n150297771" /><ref name="n150298943" /> The state government provided a $160,000 grant in 1989 to fund the restoration of drainage and structural support systems.<ref name="nyt-1989-04-02">{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=1989-04-02 |title=11 Sites Awarded Restoration Grants |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/02/nyregion/11-sites-awarded-restoration-grants.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Until the early 1990s, the arch hosted two art exhibitions a year; the western abutment was used as storage space, while the eastern abutment and attic were used for exhibits.<ref name="nyt-1991-05-30" /> Comparatively few people knew about the rooftop deck as well.<ref name="nyt-1990-09-09">{{Cite news |last=Yarrow |first=Andrew L. |date=1990-09-09 |title=Above It All |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/09/travel/above-it-all.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
The roof deck reopened in 1981,<ref name="nyt-1981-11-12" /><ref name="n150298399">{{Cite news |last=Copage |first=Eric V. |date=1981-10-25 |title=Get an Arch-top view of boro |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-get-an-arch-top-view-of-boro/150298399/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=285}}</ref> and the arch's interior was also opened to the public for the first time that year.<ref name="nyt-1991-05-30" /><ref name="n150301867" /> The public was initially allowed to access the arch's interior and deck on selected Sunday afternoons,<ref name="n150297163" /><ref name="nyt-1983-10-17">{{Cite news |last=Bird |first=David |last2=Carroll |first2=Maurice |date=1983-10-17 |title=New York Day by Day |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/17/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-236401.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and 25,000 people had visited within two years of its reopening.<ref name="n150298943" /> The arch lacked a climate-control system, so the deck operated only during autumn and spring.<ref name="n150300927">{{Cite news |last=Stevenson |first=William |date=1989-10-29 |title=Still time to visit Brooklyn's 'Arc de Triomphe' |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-still-time-to-visit-brooklyn/150300927/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=426}}</ref> The arch and its deck also began hosting artwork by local artists.<ref name="n150297771" /><ref name="n150298943" /> The state government provided a $160,000 grant in 1989 to fund the restoration of drainage and structural support systems.<ref name="nyt-1989-04-02">{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=1989-04-02 |title=11 Sites Awarded Restoration Grants |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/02/nyregion/11-sites-awarded-restoration-grants.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Until the early 1990s, the arch hosted two art exhibitions a year; the western abutment was used as storage space, while the eastern abutment and attic were used for exhibits.<ref name="nyt-1991-05-30" /> Comparatively few people knew about the rooftop deck as well.<ref name="nyt-1990-09-09">{{Cite news |last=Yarrow |first=Andrew L. |date=1990-09-09 |title=Above It All |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/09/travel/above-it-all.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


The arch was closed in late 1991 for a roof repair that was supposed to take two years.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=1991-09-13 |title=Its arch-enemy is disrepair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-arch-enemy-is-disrepair/150302114/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=51}}</ref><ref name="n150302164">{{Cite news |last=Iverem |first=Esther |date=1991-10-29 |title=Spotlight |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-spotlight/150302164/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=65}}</ref> By then, the attic frequently suffered water damage due to the leaky roof, restricting certain types of art from being displayed in the arch; in addition, the attic had to be repainted annually due to water infiltration. The roof restoration was expected to cost $375,000.<ref name="n150302164" /> The next year, NYC Parks began preparing $380,000 worth of repairs to the statuary.<ref name="p219119967">{{cite magazine |last=Feiden |first=Douglas |date=Mar 16, 1992 |title=Dinkins Rushes Capital Funds to Create Jobs |magazine=Crain's New York Business |page=1 |volume=8 |issue=11 |id={{ProQuest|219119967}}}}</ref> The arch reopened in May 1994, and artists again began hosting exhibits in the arch's attic.<ref name="p278789889" /> The Prospect Park Alliance and Urban Park Rangers also hosted tours of the arch and its roof.<ref name="nyt-1998-05-10" /> Another restoration of the arch began in July 1999 after Brooklyn borough president [[Howard Golden]] and the David Schwartz Foundation provided a combined $240,000 for the project.<ref name="n150323157">{{Cite news |last=Farrell |first=Bill |date=1999-07-02 |title=Arch getting rehab |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-getting-rehab/150323157/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=1089}}</ref> Workers cleaned MacMonnies's sculptures, although not the bas-reliefs inside the archway opening; the restoration was completed by the end of the year.<ref name="n150323572" /> The [[New York City Department of Transportation]] also painted a walkway onto the road, leading from the arch to the park's entrance.<ref name="p305623568">{{cite news |last=Liff |first=Bob |date=22 Mar 1998 |title=New Signs in Line for Grand Army Plaza |work=New York Daily News |page=1 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305623568}}}}</ref>
The arch was closed in late 1991 for a roof repair that was supposed to take two years.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=1991-09-13 |title=Its arch-enemy is disrepair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-arch-enemy-is-disrepair/150302114/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=51}}</ref><ref name="n150302164">{{Cite news |last=Iverem |first=Esther |date=1991-10-29 |title=Spotlight |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-spotlight/150302164/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=65}}</ref> By then, the attic frequently suffered water damage due to the leaky roof, restricting certain types of art from being displayed in the arch; in addition, the attic had to be repainted annually due to water infiltration. The roof restoration was expected to cost $375,000.<ref name="n150302164" /> The next year, NYC Parks began preparing $380,000 worth of repairs to the statuary.<ref name="p219119967">{{cite magazine |last=Feiden |first=Douglas |date=Mar 16, 1992 |title=Dinkins Rushes Capital Funds to Create Jobs |magazine=Crain's New York Business |page=1 |volume=8 |issue=11 |id={{ProQuest|219119967}}}}</ref> The arch reopened in May 1994, and artists again began hosting exhibits in the arch's attic.<ref name="p278789889" /> The Prospect Park Alliance and Urban Park Rangers also hosted tours of the arch and its roof.<ref name="nyt-1998-05-10" /> Another restoration of the arch began in July 1999 after Brooklyn borough president [[Howard Golden]] and the David Schwartz Foundation provided a combined $240,000 for the project.<ref name="n150323157">{{Cite news |last=Farrell |first=Bill |date=1999-07-02 |title=Arch getting rehab |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-getting-rehab/150323157/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=1089}}</ref> Workers cleaned MacMonnies's sculptures, although not the bas-reliefs inside the archway opening; the restoration was completed by the end of the year.<ref name="n150323572" /> The [[New York City Department of Transportation]] also painted a walkway onto the road, leading from the arch to the park's entrance.<ref name="p305623568">{{cite news |last=Liff |first=Bob |date=22 Mar 1998 |title=New Signs in Line for Grand Army Plaza |work=New York Daily News |page=1 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305623568}}}}</ref>


=== 21st century ===
=== 21st century ===
[[File:Brooklyn,_NYC_(2020)_-_30.jpg|thumb|The arch as seen from the southwest in 2020]]
[[File:Brooklyn, NYC (2020) - 30.jpg|thumb|The arch as seen from the southwest in 2020]]
The rooftop observation deck was closed in the 2000s because the deck had severely degraded.<ref name="Mixson 2018 x355">{{cite web |last=Mixson |first=Colin |date=August 28, 2018 |title=Forward, arch! Grand Army Plaza’s historic structure will welcome visitors following repairs |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/forward-arch-grand-army-plazas-historic-structure-will-welcome-visitors-following-repairs/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper}}</ref><ref name="Gleason 2018 e844">{{cite web |last=Gleason |first=Will |date=August 27, 2018 |title=The long-closed observation deck at Grand Army Plaza is set to reopen to the public |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-long-closed-observation-deck-at-grand-army-plaza-is-set-to-reopen-to-the-public-082718 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Time Out New York}}</ref> The New York Puppet Museum agreed to lease the room in the arch's attic from the Prospect Park Alliance in 2003, on the condition that the puppet group host three annual puppet shows in Prospect Park.<ref name="n150362739" /> Music and theatrical performances also took place underneath and within the arch.<ref name="p205166867">{{Cite magazine |last=Hill |first=Logan |date=Dec 18, 2006 |title=The Heights Report |work=  New York |pages=86-89 |volume=39 |issue=45 |id={{Pq|205166867}}}}</ref> The sculptures were cleaned yet again in 2009;<ref name="Yee 2009 w615">{{cite web |last=Yee |first=Marilynn K. |date=Aug 11, 2009 |title=Sight/Site |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9C06EEDC103DF931A2575BC0A96F9C8B63.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Witt 2009 t367">{{cite web |last=Witt |first=Stephen |date=August 19, 2009 |title=$1.1 million facelift for Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/1-1-million-facelift-for-soldiers-and-sailors-memorial-arch/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper}}</ref> the project cost $1.1 million and was funded by borough president [[Marty Markowitz]] and City Council member [[Letitia James]].<ref name="Witt 2009 t367" /> By then, the roof was leaking and was seldom open to the public.<ref name="Witt 2009 t367" /> The Puppet Museum relocated to the [[Brooklyn College]] campus in 2010 due to the leaky roof.<ref name="Mixson 2018 x355" /><ref name="p740987990">{{cite news |last=Osterhout |first=Jacob |date=8 Oct 2010 |title=New York's Puppet Master |work=New York Daily News |page=12 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|740987990}}}}</ref> During the 2010s, the interior was closed except for special events.<ref name="p1845221789">{{Cite news |last=Pereira |first=Ivan |date=2 Dec 2016 |title=City pushes parks to open forgotten areas to the public |work=AM New York |id={{pq|1845221789}}}}</ref> By then, the roof deck had partially collapsed, and invasive species were growing from the deck.<ref name="nyt-2020-11-20">{{Cite news |last=Gill |first=John Freeman |date=2020-11-20 |title=In Brooklyn, Grand Army Plaza Gets an Intervention |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/20/realestate/streetscapes-grand-army-plaza-brooklyn.html |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
The rooftop observation deck was closed in the 2000s because the deck had severely degraded.<ref name="Mixson 2018 x355">{{cite web |last=Mixson |first=Colin |date=August 28, 2018 |title=Forward, arch! Grand Army Plaza's historic structure will welcome visitors following repairs |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/forward-arch-grand-army-plazas-historic-structure-will-welcome-visitors-following-repairs/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper}}</ref><ref name="Gleason 2018 e844">{{cite web |last=Gleason |first=Will |date=August 27, 2018 |title=The long-closed observation deck at Grand Army Plaza is set to reopen to the public |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-long-closed-observation-deck-at-grand-army-plaza-is-set-to-reopen-to-the-public-082718 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Time Out New York}}</ref> The New York Puppet Museum agreed to lease the room in the arch's attic from the Prospect Park Alliance in 2003, on the condition that the puppet group host three annual puppet shows in Prospect Park.<ref name="n150362739" /> Music and theatrical performances also took place underneath and within the arch.<ref name="p205166867">{{Cite magazine |last=Hill |first=Logan |date=Dec 18, 2006 |title=The Heights Report |work=  New York |pages=86–89 |volume=39 |issue=45 |id={{Pq|205166867}}}}</ref> The sculptures were cleaned yet again in 2009;<ref name="Yee 2009 w615">{{cite web |last=Yee |first=Marilynn K. |date=Aug 11, 2009 |title=Sight/Site |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9C06EEDC103DF931A2575BC0A96F9C8B63.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Witt 2009 t367">{{cite web |last=Witt |first=Stephen |date=August 19, 2009 |title=$1.1 million facelift for Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/1-1-million-facelift-for-soldiers-and-sailors-memorial-arch/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper}}</ref> the project cost $1.1 million and was funded by borough president [[Marty Markowitz]] and City Council member [[Letitia James]].<ref name="Witt 2009 t367" /> By then, the roof was leaking and was seldom open to the public.<ref name="Witt 2009 t367" /> The Puppet Museum relocated to the [[Brooklyn College]] campus in 2010 due to the leaky roof.<ref name="Mixson 2018 x355" /><ref name="p740987990">{{cite news |last=Osterhout |first=Jacob |date=8 Oct 2010 |title=New York's Puppet Master |work=New York Daily News |page=12 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|740987990}}}}</ref> During the 2010s, the interior was closed except for special events.<ref name="p1845221789">{{Cite news |last=Pereira |first=Ivan |date=2 Dec 2016 |title=City pushes parks to open forgotten areas to the public |work=AM New York |id={{pq|1845221789}}}}</ref> By then, the roof deck had partially collapsed, and invasive species were growing from the deck.<ref name="nyt-2020-11-20">{{Cite news |last=Gill |first=John Freeman |date=2020-11-20 |title=In Brooklyn, Grand Army Plaza Gets an Intervention |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/20/realestate/streetscapes-grand-army-plaza-brooklyn.html |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


The New York City government gave the Prospect Park Alliance $8.9 million in August 2018 for a full restoration of the plaza, including restoration of the arch.<ref name="Gleason 2018 e844" /><ref name="Gannon 2018">{{cite web |last=Gannon |first=Devin |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn to undergo a $9M restoration |url=https://www.6sqft.com/grand-army-plaza-in-brooklyn-to-undergo-a-9m-restoration/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=6sqft |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Chung |first=Jen |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Grand Army Plaza Is Getting An $8.9 Million Restoration |url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/grand-army-plaza-is-getting-an-89-million-restoration |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Gothamist}}</ref> At the time, the city planned to reopen the arch's observation deck once the renovation was complete.<ref name="Mixson 2018 x355" /><ref name="Gleason 2018 e844" /> After debris fell from the arch in late 2018, the underside of the arch was fenced off.<ref name="Mixson 2019 q564">{{cite web |last=Mixson |first=Colin |date=February 25, 2019 |title=Curve fall: Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch cordoned off through 2021 after debris drops from it |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/curve-fall-soldiers-and-sailors-arch-cordoned-off-through-2021-after-debris-drops-from-it/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2020-11-20" /> Designs for the project were announced in November 2020.<ref name="nyt-2020-11-20" /><ref name="Chung 2020b">{{cite web |last=Chung |first=Jen |date=November 21, 2020 |title=A Look At Grand Army Plaza's $8.9 Million Restoration Design |url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/look-grand-army-plazas-89-million-restoration-design |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Gothamist |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |last=Verde |first=Ben |title=City reveals designs for Grand Army Plaza restoration |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/grand-army-plaza-arch-construction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122120842/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/grand-army-plaza-arch-construction/ |archive-date=November 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-22 |website=Brooklyn Paper |language=en-US}}</ref> Western Waterproofing Co. was awarded a contract to restore the arch in March 2023,<ref name="Senzamici 2023 o999">{{cite web |last=Senzamici |first=Peter |date=March 3, 2023 |title=City Awards $$ Contract For Grand Army Plaza Arch Restoration |url=https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/city-awards-contract-grand-army-plaza-arch-restoration |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Prospect Heights-Crown Heights, NY Patch}}</ref> and work began that May.<ref name="Camille 2023 n056">{{cite web |last=Camille |first=Jada |date=May 4, 2023 |title=Under construction: Prospect Park Alliance lead restoration project of Grand Army Plaza arch |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-alliance-lead-restoration-project-of-grand-army-plaza-arch/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper}}</ref><ref name="Rahhal 2023 t533">{{cite web |last=Rahhal |first=Emily |date=May 3, 2023 |title=Grand Army Plaza Arch Slated For $8.9 Million Restoration |url=https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/grand-army-plaza-arch-slated-8-9-billion-restoration |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Prospect Heights-Crown Heights, NY Patch |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Magazine |first=Brooklyn |date=May 4, 2023 |title=Grand Army Plaza Arch is getting a $8.9 million makeover |url=https://www.bkmag.com/2023/05/04/grand-army-plazas-arch-is-getting-a-8-9-million-makeover/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Magazine}}</ref> The project included restoration of the facade, stairways, lights, and roof.<ref name="Pontone 2023 v877" /> The arch is closed during this work, which was expected to continue until spring 2024.<ref name="Camille 2023 n056" />
The New York City government gave the Prospect Park Alliance $8.9 million in August 2018 for a full restoration of the plaza, including restoration of the arch.<ref name="Gleason 2018 e844" /><ref name="Gannon 2018">{{cite web |last=Gannon |first=Devin |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn to undergo a $9M restoration |url=https://www.6sqft.com/grand-army-plaza-in-brooklyn-to-undergo-a-9m-restoration/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=6sqft |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Chung |first=Jen |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Grand Army Plaza Is Getting An $8.9 Million Restoration |url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/grand-army-plaza-is-getting-an-89-million-restoration |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Gothamist}}</ref> At the time, the city planned to reopen the arch's observation deck once the renovation was complete.<ref name="Mixson 2018 x355" /><ref name="Gleason 2018 e844" /> After debris fell from the arch in late 2018, the underside of the arch was fenced off.<ref name="Mixson 2019 q564">{{cite web |last=Mixson |first=Colin |date=February 25, 2019 |title=Curve fall: Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch cordoned off through 2021 after debris drops from it |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/curve-fall-soldiers-and-sailors-arch-cordoned-off-through-2021-after-debris-drops-from-it/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2020-11-20" /> Designs for the project were announced in November 2020.<ref name="nyt-2020-11-20" /><ref name="Chung 2020b">{{cite web |last=Chung |first=Jen |date=November 21, 2020 |title=A Look At Grand Army Plaza's $8.9 Million Restoration Design |url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/look-grand-army-plazas-89-million-restoration-design |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Gothamist |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |last=Verde |first=Ben |title=City reveals designs for Grand Army Plaza restoration |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/grand-army-plaza-arch-construction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122120842/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/grand-army-plaza-arch-construction/ |archive-date=November 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-11-22 |website=Brooklyn Paper |language=en-US}}</ref> Western Waterproofing Co. was awarded a contract to restore the arch in March 2023,<ref name="Senzamici 2023 o999">{{cite web |last=Senzamici |first=Peter |date=March 3, 2023 |title=City Awards $$ Contract For Grand Army Plaza Arch Restoration |url=https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/city-awards-contract-grand-army-plaza-arch-restoration |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Prospect Heights-Crown Heights, NY Patch}}</ref> and work began that May.<ref name="Camille 2023 n056">{{cite web |last=Camille |first=Jada |date=May 4, 2023 |title=Under construction: Prospect Park Alliance lead restoration project of Grand Army Plaza arch |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-alliance-lead-restoration-project-of-grand-army-plaza-arch/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper}}</ref><ref name="Rahhal 2023 t533">{{cite web |last=Rahhal |first=Emily |date=May 3, 2023 |title=Grand Army Plaza Arch Slated For $8.9 Million Restoration |url=https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/grand-army-plaza-arch-slated-8-9-billion-restoration |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Prospect Heights-Crown Heights, NY Patch |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Magazine |first=Brooklyn |date=May 4, 2023 |title=Grand Army Plaza Arch is getting a $8.9 million makeover |url=https://www.bkmag.com/2023/05/04/grand-army-plazas-arch-is-getting-a-8-9-million-makeover/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Magazine}}</ref> The project included restoration of the facade, stairways, lights, and roof.<ref name="Pontone 2023 v877" /> The arch is closed during this work, which was expected to continue until spring 2024.<ref name="Camille 2023 n056" />


== Impact ==
== Impact ==
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==== Contemporary ====
==== Contemporary ====
In 1889, a writer for the magazine [[Harper's Weekly|''Harper's Weekly'']] likened Duncan's design to the [[Arc de Triomphe]] in Paris and to [[Triumphal arch|triumphal arches]] in Rome, although the arch was to be shallower and have a lower attic compared to the older arches.<ref name="n150178386" /> ''Stone'' magazine wrote that the arch was unique among American memorials, which tended to be statues, columns, or shafts, and that the structure was impressive because of its size and large proportions.<ref name="p94738310" /> ''[[Scientific American]]'' regarded the arch as "one of the most conspicuous and beautiful" war monuments,<ref name="p96161401" /> ''The Manufacturer and Builder'' magazine described the arch as "noble in conception, imposing in magnitude, harmonious in proportion, and appropriate and effective in ornamentation".<ref name="p88889113" />
In 1889, a writer for the magazine [[Harper's Weekly|''Harper's Weekly'']] likened Duncan's design to the [[Arc de Triomphe]] in Paris and to [[triumphal arch]]es in Rome, although the arch was to be shallower and have a lower attic compared to the older arches.<ref name="n150178386" /> ''Stone'' magazine wrote that the arch was unique among American memorials, which tended to be statues, columns, or shafts, and that the structure was impressive because of its size and large proportions.<ref name="p94738310" /> ''[[Scientific American]]'' regarded the arch as "one of the most conspicuous and beautiful" war monuments.<ref name="p96161401" /> ''The Manufacturer and Builder'' magazine described the arch as "noble in conception, imposing in magnitude, harmonious in proportion, and appropriate and effective in ornamentation".<ref name="p88889113" />


After the arch was dedicated, the ''Brooklyn Citizen'' wrote that the arch was "a noble specimen of monumental architecture, and does infinite credit to its talented designer, Mr. John H. Duncan".<ref>{{Cite news |date=1892-10-21 |title=The Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-the-memorial-arch/150192451/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2}}</ref> A reporter for ''Scientific American'' wrote that they hoped the arch's completion would cause "the tasteless granite column" to fall out of fashion.<ref name="p126739203" /> Conversely, the ''New-York Tribune'' described the arch as poorly placed,<ref name="p574007294">{{cite news |date=6 Jan 1895 |title=Prospect Park Plaza Improvements: What Will Follow the Removal of Lincoln's Statue the Fountain to Be Remodelled |work=New-York Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574007294}}}}</ref> and the Municipal Art Commission thought the arch faced the wrong way, toward the exit of Prospect Park.<ref name="n150259586">{{Cite news |date=1910-12-17 |title=Art Commission Thinks These Are Not Well Placed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-art-commission-thinks-these/150259586/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Times Union |pages=15}}</ref> The [[Brooklyn Times-Union|''Brooklyn Times-Union'']] described the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch as superior to Manhattan's [[Washington Square Arch]]<ref name="n150259586" /> and, in 1913, described the arch as the "Arc de Triomphe of America".<ref name="n150248039" />
After the arch was dedicated, the ''Brooklyn Citizen'' wrote that the arch was "a noble specimen of monumental architecture, and does infinite credit to its talented designer, Mr. John H. Duncan".<ref>{{Cite news |date=1892-10-21 |title=The Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-the-memorial-arch/150192451/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2}}</ref> A reporter for ''Scientific American'' wrote that they hoped the arch's completion would cause "the tasteless granite column" to fall out of fashion.<ref name="p126739203" /> Conversely, the ''New-York Tribune'' described the arch as poorly placed,<ref name="p574007294">{{cite news |date=6 Jan 1895 |title=Prospect Park Plaza Improvements: What Will Follow the Removal of Lincoln's Statue the Fountain to Be Remodelled |work=New-York Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574007294}}}}</ref> and the Municipal Art Commission thought the arch faced the wrong way, toward the exit of Prospect Park.<ref name="n150259586">{{Cite news |date=1910-12-17 |title=Art Commission Thinks These Are Not Well Placed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-art-commission-thinks-these/150259586/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Times Union |pages=15}}</ref> The [[Brooklyn Times-Union|''Brooklyn Times-Union'']] described the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch as superior to Manhattan's [[Washington Square Arch]]<ref name="n150259586" /> and, in 1913, described the arch as the "Arc de Triomphe of America".<ref name="n150248039" />


After Eakins's and Donovan's bas-reliefs were installed, the ''Tribune'' quoted critics who described the relief as "obtrusive" and "humiliating",<ref name="p574133690" /> and another critic wrote that Lincoln looked like he was "begging for pennies" with his hat.<ref name="BD p. 36" /> The [[American Institute of Architects]]' Brooklyn chapter declared the reliefs to be "disreputable examples of the arts of sculpture and design".<ref name="n150201928">{{Cite news |date=1897-01-19 |title=Local Architects Protest |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-local-architect/150201928/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=16 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1897-01-19 |title=Arch Bronzes |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-arch-bronzes/150201915/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=7}}</ref> When the quadriga was installed in 1898, ''The New York Times'' wrote that the sculptures attracted "much attention by reason of its artistic beauty",<ref name="nyt-1899-02-122" /> while the ''Brooklyn Daily Eagle'' said the quadriga had a "proud, heroic, strong" effect.<ref name="n150203779">{{Cite news |date=1897-03-06 |title=The Macmonnies Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-macmonnies/150203779/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> The ''Brooklyn Daily Eagle'' critic wrote that the quadriga added an artistic touch to the arch, whereas the bas-reliefs were present purely for political purposes.<ref name="n150203779" /> ''Brooklyn Life'' said the MacMonnies statues "are fine pieces of sculpture that will bear study at quite close range".<ref>{{Cite news |date=1901-04-20 |title=The Completed Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-life-the-completed-arch/150237862/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Brooklyn Life |pages=11}}</ref>
After Eakins's and Donovan's bas-reliefs were installed, the ''Tribune'' quoted critics who described the relief as "obtrusive" and "humiliating",<ref name="p574133690" /> and another critic wrote that Lincoln looked like he was "begging for pennies" with his hat.<ref name="BD p. 36" /> The [[American Institute of Architects]]' Brooklyn chapter declared the reliefs to be "disreputable examples of the arts of sculpture and design".<ref name="n150201928">{{Cite news |date=1897-01-19 |title=Local Architects Protest |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-local-architect/150201928/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=16 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=1897-01-19 |title=Arch Bronzes |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-arch-bronzes/150201915/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |work=The Standard Union |pages=7}}</ref> When the quadriga was installed in 1898, ''The New York Times'' wrote that the sculptures attracted "much attention by reason of its artistic beauty",<ref name="nyt-1899-02-122" /> while the ''Brooklyn Daily Eagle'' said the quadriga had a "proud, heroic, strong" effect.<ref name="n150203779">{{Cite news |date=1897-03-06 |title=The Macmonnies Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-macmonnies/150203779/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6}}</ref> The ''Brooklyn Daily Eagle'' critic wrote that the quadriga added an artistic touch to the arch, whereas the bas-reliefs were present purely for political purposes.<ref name="n150203779" /> ''Brooklyn Life'' said the MacMonnies statues "are fine pieces of sculpture that will bear study at quite close range".<ref>{{Cite news |date=1901-04-20 |title=The Completed Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-life-the-completed-arch/150237862/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=Brooklyn Life |pages=11}}</ref>
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The architectural critic [[Henry Hope Reed Jr.]] wrote in 1963 that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch was the "outstanding triumphal arch in the country" in part because of its sculptural decoration.<ref name="p1326266162">{{cite news |last=Reed |first=Henry Hope Jr. |date=1 July 1962 |title=Flatbush's Arch of Triumph: Brooklyn, Not Washington, Boasts America's Finest Triumphal Arch |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=F2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326266162}}}}</ref> A ''New York Times'' writer said in 1973 that the Grant and Lincoln reliefs evoked European equestrian statues but that they still had "downhome simplicity about them".<ref name="p119100543">{{cite news |last=Shirey |first=David |date=12 Dec 1971 |title=Brooklyn's Hidden Art Treasures |work=The New York Times |page=A10 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|119100543}}}}</ref> [[Paul Goldberger]], writing for the same newspaper in 1984, said that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch was the greatest classical grouping in New York City" despite the disconnected architecture of the surrounding neighborhood.<ref name="nyt-1984-11-04">{{Cite news |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=1984-11-04 |title=Utopia in the Outer Boroughs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/04/magazine/utopia-in-the-outer-boroughs.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> A writer for [[The Philadelphia Inquirer|''The Philadelphia Inquirer'']] said the arch's placement was as "majestic as the Arc de Triomphe",<ref name="p1822248705">{{Cite news |last=Falon |first=Janet Ruth |date=20 Nov 1983 |title=Brooklyn: Tarry a While After You Cross That Bridge |work=Philadelphia Inquirer |page=T.1 |id={{Pq|1822248705}}}}</ref> and NYC Parks commissioner [[Adrian Benepe]] regarded the arch as likely "the city's most impressive work of art".<ref name="p278130230" />
The architectural critic [[Henry Hope Reed Jr.]] wrote in 1963 that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch was the "outstanding triumphal arch in the country" in part because of its sculptural decoration.<ref name="p1326266162">{{cite news |last=Reed |first=Henry Hope Jr. |date=1 July 1962 |title=Flatbush's Arch of Triumph: Brooklyn, Not Washington, Boasts America's Finest Triumphal Arch |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=F2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326266162}}}}</ref> A ''New York Times'' writer said in 1973 that the Grant and Lincoln reliefs evoked European equestrian statues but that they still had "downhome simplicity about them".<ref name="p119100543">{{cite news |last=Shirey |first=David |date=12 Dec 1971 |title=Brooklyn's Hidden Art Treasures |work=The New York Times |page=A10 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|119100543}}}}</ref> [[Paul Goldberger]], writing for the same newspaper in 1984, said that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch was the greatest classical grouping in New York City" despite the disconnected architecture of the surrounding neighborhood.<ref name="nyt-1984-11-04">{{Cite news |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=1984-11-04 |title=Utopia in the Outer Boroughs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/04/magazine/utopia-in-the-outer-boroughs.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> A writer for [[The Philadelphia Inquirer|''The Philadelphia Inquirer'']] said the arch's placement was as "majestic as the Arc de Triomphe",<ref name="p1822248705">{{Cite news |last=Falon |first=Janet Ruth |date=20 Nov 1983 |title=Brooklyn: Tarry a While After You Cross That Bridge |work=Philadelphia Inquirer |page=T.1 |id={{Pq|1822248705}}}}</ref> and NYC Parks commissioner [[Adrian Benepe]] regarded the arch as likely "the city's most impressive work of art".<ref name="p278130230" />


Jesse Goldstein of ''[[The Village Voice]]'' said in 2002 that, because of the arch's presence, Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza was superior to the [[Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan)|similarly named plaza in Manhattan]],<ref name="p232215284">{{Cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Jesse |date=7 May 2002 |title=Close-up on Prospect Heights |work=The Village Voice |page=161 |id={{Pq|232215284}}}}</ref> while a writer for ''[[The American Enterprise]]'' regarded the arch as the best example of a triumphal arch in the U.S.<ref name="p225399685">{{Cite magazine |last=Leigh |first=Catesby |date=July-August 2002 |title=An American Parthenon? Our own Pantheon? |work=The American Enterprise |pages=21-24 |volume=13 |issue=5 |id={{pq|225399685}}}}</ref> In 2011, a writer for ''American Civil War'' magazine wrote that the arch's design was "perhaps second only to the Arc de Triomphe", even though the Brooklyn arch was hard for pedestrians to access.<ref name="p223363615" />
Jesse Goldstein of ''[[The Village Voice]]'' said in 2002 that, because of the arch's presence, Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza was superior to the [[Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan)|similarly named plaza in Manhattan]].<ref name="p232215284">{{Cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Jesse |date=7 May 2002 |title=Close-up on Prospect Heights |work=The Village Voice |page=161 |id={{Pq|232215284}}}}</ref> Similarly, a writer for ''[[The American Enterprise]]'' regarded the arch as the best example of a triumphal arch in the United States.<ref name="p225399685">{{Cite magazine |last=Leigh |first=Catesby |date=July–August 2002 |title=An American Parthenon? Our own Pantheon? |work=The American Enterprise |pages=21–24 |volume=13 |issue=5 |id={{pq|225399685}}}}</ref> In 2011, a writer for ''American Civil War'' magazine wrote that the arch's design was "perhaps second only to the Arc de Triomphe", even though the Brooklyn arch was hard for pedestrians to access.<ref name="p223363615" />


=== Design influence ===
=== Design influence ===
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{{Public art in Brooklyn|state=expanded}}
{{Public art in Brooklyn|state=expanded}}
{{Frederick William MacMonnies}}
{{Frederick William MacMonnies}}
{{Ulysses S. Grant}}
{{Ulysses S. Grant}}
{{Abraham Lincoln}}
{{Abraham Lincoln}}

Revision as of 21:09, 30 June 2024

Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
The arch as seen from the south end of Grand Army Plaza
TypeAmerican Civil War memorial
LocationGrand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Coordinates40°40′22″N 73°58′11″W / 40.6729°N 73.9698°W / 40.6729; -73.9698
Elevation135 feet (41 m)
Height80 feet (24 m)
DedicatedOctober 21, 1892 (1892-10-21)
Built1889 (1889)–1892 (1892)
Built forUnion Army
Restored1976; 2023–2024
ArchitectJohn H. Duncan
SculptorFrederick MacMonnies (sculptures), Philip Martiny (spandrels)
OwnerCity of New York
Websitewww.nycgovparks.org/parks/grand-army-plaza/monuments/1463
DesignatedOctober 16, 1973 (1973-10-16)
Reference no.0821[1]
Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is located in New York City
Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch
Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch location in Brooklyn

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is a triumphal arch at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, New York City, United States. Designed by John Hemenway Duncan and built from 1889 to 1892, the arch is dedicated to American Civil War veterans. The arch is made of granite and measures 80 feet (24 m) tall, with an archway opening measuring 50 feet (15 m) tall and 35 feet (11 m) wide. The arch also includes spandrels by Philip Martiny, equestrian bas-reliefs by Thomas Eakins and William Rudolf O'Donovan, and three sculptural groups by Frederick MacMonnies. It is one of New York City's three major triumphal arches.

The lowest portion of the arch is made of Quincy granite, above which is lighter-colored granite. There are four pedestals, two each facing north and south; the northern pedestals are empty, while the southern pedestals contain sculptural groups by MacMonnies, depicting the United States Army and United States Navy. The bas-reliefs within the archway opening depict Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant on horseback, and the archway opening has a coffered ceiling. The spandrels above the arch contain representations of victory, as well as symbols of New York state and Brooklyn. On the roof is an observation deck and a quadriga, also designed by MacMonnies. Inside are stairways to the observation deck, as well as a room just beneath the roof.

After the American Civil War, the then-independent city of Brooklyn planned a grand memorial to Union Army soldiers, though no major monument was built for two decades. The arch was proposed in 1888, and Duncan was selected as the arch's designer following an architectural design competition. The cornerstone of the arch was laid on October 30, 1889, and the arch was dedicated on October 21, 1892. Additional art was installed over the following decade. The arch was used for various events during the 20th century and was designated as a New York City landmark in 1973. The arch has been renovated several times over the years, including in 1980 and 2023–2024.

Description

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is at the southern end of Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, New York City, U.S., just north of the entrance to Prospect Park. Designed by John H. Duncan and completed in 1892,[2][3] the arch was built as an American Civil War memorial.[4][5] It is one of New York City's three major triumphal arches, along with the Washington Square Arch and the Manhattan Bridge Arch and Colonnade.[4][6] As built, the arch was surrounded by granite posts connected by a bronze chain.[7]

Including abutments on either side of the archway opening, the arch measures 80 feet (24 m) tall, with a footprint of 80 by 50 feet (24 by 15 m). The interior of the arched opening is 50 feet tall and 35 feet (11 m) wide.[2][3][8] At the top of the arch, the abutments narrow in thickness from 50 feet to 25 feet (7.6 m).[8][a] When the arch was completed, the top of the arch was around 225 feet (69 m) above sea level. Visitors originally could see as far as Long Island to the east, the Palisades to the north, the Atlantic Ocean and Atlantic Highlands to the south, and the Orange Mountains to the west.[12]

Design

At the base of either of the arch's abutments is a 3-foot-high (0.91 m) course of Quincy granite, above which is lighter-colored granite.[9] There are four pedestals, two each facing north and south, which were intended to support groups of statues.[9][5] The exteriors of the arch's base contain the seals of various military companies and regiments based in Brooklyn.[11] The archway opening's keystone depicts the Great Seal of the United States.[9]

Lincoln and Grant bas-reliefs

The underside of the arched opening has a coffered ceiling,[9][11] and there are rosettes at the center of each coffer.[11] The interior walls of the archway opening have equestrian bas-reliefs of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.[11][13] The reliefs bear the dates 1893–1894,[8] even though they were installed in 1895.[8][13] They were sculpted by Thomas Eakins, who designed the horses, and William Rudolf O'Donovan, who designed the riders.[14][15][16][b] The Lincoln relief is the only artwork in a New York City park where Lincoln is depicted on horseback,[17] as well as one of two artworks of Lincoln on horseback that are known to exist.[18]

Philip Martiny designed the spandrels on the structure's north and south facades, at the upper corners of the archway opening.[19] The spandrels on the structure's north facade depict the state of New York and the then-independent city of Brooklyn,[c][9][10] while the spandrels to the south depict female representations of victory.[19] On the attic, along the arch's southern facade, is an inscription reading, "To the Defenders of the Union, 1861–1865"; this is the only inscription on the monument.[8][21] The monument's attic includes panels with disks surrounded by wreaths.[12] The names of battles were supposed to have been inscribed into the panels.[12][22] The structure's parapet was to have globes with eagles resting above them,[9][12] but the arch was instead built with a plain parapet.[12]

The arch has two circular stairways,[11] one inside each abutment.[9][23] One staircase was originally used by visitors traveling to the roof, while the other was used by visitors descending to ground level.[9][12] The stairs have been variously cited as containing 103,[24] 107,[25] 108,[26] or 116 steps.[27] Each of the stairs is made of iron, although the treads are made of stone and have military-inspired decorations such as battle axes.[15] In addition, there is a room within the monument's attic, above the archway opening, for a war museum.[11][23] The room was originally decorated with marble wainscoting and mosaic panels, and there were ceiling vaults with ornamentation honoring Civil War soldiers. Three glass domes illuminated the room.[11] By the late 20th century, the room was an art exhibition space with little decoration.[28]

Sculptures

Close-up of the Navy sculptures, which are covered in netting

The sculptor Frederick MacMonnies was hired to design sculptures for the plaza's arch.[5][29] On the top of the arch is a quadriga or four-horse chariot,[30][2] atop which is a figure of Columbia, the female personification of the United States.[31][32] The figure holds a sword in her left (non-dominant) hand, signifying peace, in addition to a flag topped by a wreath, signifying victory.[31][16] The chariot includes the Great Seal of the United States.[2] The quadriga is 35 feet (11 m) tall and weighs 25 short tons (23 metric tons);[16] it had to be cast in seven pieces.[33]

At ground level, MacMonnies also designed two bronze sculptural groups on the arch's southern facade.[16][30][34] These represent the United States Army and United States Navy,[16][30] which respectively are placed to the west and east of the archway opening.[33] The Army grouping includes a young officer, flanked by injured soldiers and a winged Valkyrie carrying a dead soldier.[35] The Army statues were based on the painting Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.[36] The Navy grouping depicts a group of soldiers standing on a ship with a snapped mast, above which is a depiction of the goddess Bellona.[37] The Navy grouping includes a depiction of a black soldier kneeling;[34][38] at the time of the arch's completion, comparatively few monuments depicted black men,[39][40]

There have been claims that the soldiers in the sculptures were modeled on French people.[39][41] For example, the president of the Kings County Historical Society claimed in 1930 that the sculptures' uniforms were based on French soldiers' uniforms, while the caps are slightly different from those worn by Civil War veterans.[41] MacMonnies refuted the claims, saying the figures were based upon Americans he saw in Paris.[39] Specifically, the figures contain the faces of MacMonnies and his friends.[15][42] One of the wounded figures depicts MacMonnies's former mentor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens.[43] The sculptures were intended to honor "common soldiers", in contrast to other war memorials, which honored military leaders.[34]

Temporary art

The arch has been used for temporary art installations, including exhibits by local artists in the late 20th century.[4][44] During the 1980s, these included a multimedia exhibit,[45] an equestrian-themed exhibit,[46] a show with works themed to angels,[47] a show based on classical architecture,[48] and an exhibit about monuments and home goods.[28][49] There were also exhibits in the 1990s, including works about civil wars,[50] Ghanaian folk art,[51] Nuyorican art,[52] photos of Prospect Park,[52] and a controversial multimedia piece depicting an assassination.[53] Additionally, during the 2024 restoration of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch, a set of works by local contemporary artists was placed at the arch's base.[54][55]

Development

Planning

After the American Civil War, the city of Brooklyn planned a grand memorial to Union Army soldiers. Although a statue of Lincoln on Grand Army Plaza and a memorial shaft on Battle Hill were erected in the late 1860s, no major monuments were built in Brooklyn for two decades.[12] The New York State Legislature passed legislation on May 16, 1887, authorizing the development of a major Civil War monument in Brooklyn.[56][11] Initially, the monument's construction was to be overseen by Brooklyn's mayor and common council. In 1888, the legislature decided to instead appoint a three-person commission to develop the monument. The commission consisted of Brooklyn's mayor, Brooklyn's aldermanic president, and the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Committee's chairman.[11]

Initially, the state legislature allocated $100,000 for the monument,[57][58] of which half was made available during 1888 and half in 1889.[59] The monument had been planned as a shaft in City Hall Park (now Columbus Park).[12][60] Contracts were about to be awarded for the shaft when the plans were changed.[12] By early 1888, a memorial arch was being proposed at Prospect Park Plaza (later Grand Army Plaza) instead.[60] After mayor Alfred C. Chapin vetoed an initial design by Henry Baerer,[61] an architectural design competition for the monument was hosted for the arch.[62] By October 1888, thirty-six architectural firms had submitted designs.[62] The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Commission hired William R. Ware and Charles B. Atwood to review the designs.[63] The state government added another $150,000 for the arch's construction in 1889.[58][63]

John Hemenway Duncan, the designer of Grant's Tomb in Manhattan, was selected as the architect that August.[64] Duncan received $1,000 for his design,[11][56] and the runner-up was to receive $500.[65] Duncan's design, known as "Red Seal",[66][67] called for a structure with statuary at the top and pilasters supporting the attic. There were supposed to have been pedestals at the base of either of the arch's abutments, topped by bronze allegorical groups of statues.[63] The arch was originally supposed to stand across an entrance into the park.[10][66] However, Duncan objected to placing the arch on the park's perimeter,[10] and Brooklyn city officials agreed instead to build the arch at the plaza's southern end, within a median, in September 1889.[68] The arch was originally supposed to stand 100 feet (30 m) tall, but the Monument Commission recommended reducing the arch's height to reduce the amount of stone needed. Even with a reduced height, the arch was intended to be one of the world's largest triumphal arches.[67]

Construction

Arch in 1894 without sculptures

Several contractors were invited to submit bids for the arch in late 1889,[69][70] and Cranford & Valentine were hired to excavate the foundations for $12,274.[71] Brooklyn's park commissioners also discussed relocating streetcar tracks in Prospect Park Plaza, as these tracks intersected near the site of the arch.[72] Duncan also contemplated raising the arch's foundation to make it more prominent, though he did not want to add "filigree ornamentation".[73] The cornerstone of the arch was laid on October 30, 1889, and Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman spoke at the ceremony.[74] The foundation of the eastern abutment was constructed first because the site of the western abutment was occupied by streetcar tracks. By the end of 1889, plans were being drawn up for the upper portion of the arch.[75] Duncan revised his plans for the arch in February 1890 so the abutments would be more sturdy.[76]

Work was delayed due to the need to relocate the streetcar tracks.[77][10] In addition, while constructing the foundation, workers discovered a layer of muck beneath the site of the arch, a remnant of a former pond.[10] The Memorial Arch Commission solicited bids for the arch's stonework in March 1890 and received five bids, of which three were reviewed. Bernard Gallagher submitted the lowest of these three bids, at $174,592, and received the contract.[78] Gallagher was originally required to complete the arch within a year, but the Arch Commission extended the deadline to September 1891 shortly afterward.[71] John W. Fowler received a $16,995 contract in May 1890 to relocate the streetcar tracks so the rest of the arch could be constructed.[79] Four existing streetcar tracks in the plaza were rerouted,[77] and the new tracks were completed in July.[80] By that September, a temporary construction fence had been erected around the site of the arch, and the contractors had erected derricks to install the arch's granite pieces.[81] Brooklyn's park commission wanted to allow advertisements on the fence, but this was controversial,[82][83] and the commission ultimately decided against the advertisements.[81][83]

Thomas Eakins and William Rudolf O'Donovan were hired c. 1891 to sculpt bas-reliefs of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.[14] The Union Granite Company also received contracts for bronze and granite bollards around the arch, as well as carvings on the arch's spandrels.[71] Some of the arch's stones became severely discolored shortly after they were installed, prompting allegations that iron was being used in place of granite.[84] State legislators also tried to allocate another $100,000 for the acquisition of statuary,[85][86] but the effort was unsuccessful.[12] That July, Duncan submitted designs for the arch's spandrels to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch Commission.[87] The arch was supposed to have been completed in late 1891,[86][87] but work was delayed because of a strike at the granite supplier's quarry.[88] The Arch Commission voted in July 1892 to install incandescent light bulbs on the southern facade and to delay the installation of all the arch's sculptures.[89] The monument ultimately cost $250,000 (equivalent to $8,478,000 in 2023).[12][90]

Completion and modifications

The arch was dedicated on October 21, 1892, with a ceremony led by U.S. President Grover Cleveland.[91] The ceremony coincided with a citywide celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's expedition to the Americas.[92] When the arch was completed, the area around its base was devoid of plantings and ornamentation.[12] There were proposals to plant grass plots and flower beds in the plaza, as well as add statuary to the arch, after the monument was completed.[93] After the arch's dedication, the lights on the arch were not reactivated until January 1894.[94] The New-York Tribune also alleged that the arch's construction had been mismanaged and that several construction contracts had been grossly overpriced, such as the contract for the electric lights.[71][58] The room atop the monument also remained empty for several years after its completion.[22]

Installation of bas-reliefs and sculptures

A bas-relief of Abraham Lincoln on horseback, located within the archway opening
The Lincoln bas-relief was one of two reliefs that Thomas Eakins and William Rudolf O'Donovan designed for the arch.

Brooklyn Park Commissioner Frank Squire engaged Frederick MacMonnies to design a quadriga, or chariot with four horses, above the arch in October 1894.[95] MacMonnies was also hired to design two other sculptural groups next to the arch's base.[29][96] Eakins's and Donovan's bas-reliefs of Grand and Lincoln were installed during late 1895.[97][98] The bas-reliefs were controversial, and critics regarded them as being of poor quality.[98][99] Brooklyn park commissioner Timothy L. Woodruff initially refused to pay $7,500 of the bas-reliefs' $17,500 cost,[100] but he eventuallyagreed to provide the funds in July 1896.[101] Additionally, as part of a renovation of Prospect Park Plaza, new lamps were installed, and several laurels and evergreens were planted around the monument to draw attention away from its bare walls. In addition, the bollards at the arch's base were moved, and workers installed a heavy bronze chain connecting the bollards.[97][102] A pavement was also laid around the base of the arch.[102][103]

Meanwhile, MacMonnies designed the arch's sculptures at his studio in Paris's Latin Quarter;[104] he was still sketching out the Army and Navy sculptures by mid-1896.[105] By June 1897, the design of the quadriga was finished.[106] MacMonnies used a different cast for each of the figures, such that none of the figures were identical.[107] The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) preferred that the sculptures be completed by Memorial Day in 1898, as they wanted to invite MacMonnies to see the dedication of his own work.[108] The quadriga was shipped to the United States in August 1898.[109] Although the arch was strong enough to carry the quadriga,[110] a granite foundation for it had to be built on the arch's roof.[111][112] The quadriga's installation was delayed because workers had to wait for MacMonnies's foreman to come to the U.S.,[112][113] but the sculpture was in place by the end of 1898.[111][114] MacMonnies had completed the cast of the Army statues by that November,[115] while the models for the Navy statues were finished by 1899.[116]

The Army sculptures were completed by March 1900[117] and shipped to the U.S. that July.[118] MacMonnies initially refused to install the sculptures himself.[119][120] He ultimately relented after being notified that he would not be paid unless the sculptures were installed.[121][122] Additionally, the sculptures' black iron frames had to be replaced with galvanized iron before they were installed,[118] and one of the Army sculptures' heads had to be replaced because there was insufficient space.[118][122][123] The Army sculptures were in place by November 1900.[124] The Navy sculptures were damaged while being shipped to the U.S..[125][126] They were repaired at the Barnard studio in Manhattan,[127] then transported across the Brooklyn Bridge for installation.[128] Pulleys were used to hoist the sculptures onto the pedestals,[15] and the sculptures were dedicated on April 13, 1901.[15][129] The Army and Navy sculptures cost $50,000[120] or $60,000 in total.[124] The eagles atop the arch, also designed by MacMonnies, were installed in late 1901.[130]

20th century

As early as the 1900s, the adjacent plaza was unofficially known as Grand Army Plaza because of the presence of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch.[131] In the arch's early years, it was visible from much of Brooklyn, as it was located atop one of the highest points in the borough.[132] It was frequently lit for events during the early 20th century.[36] The arch was the setting for annual events, such as the parades of the Boys Brigade[133] and Brooklyn's annual Memorial Day parades.[134][135] Ceremonies at the arch also commemorated major events, such as when the Spanish–American War, World War I, and World War II ended.[136] Other events included a ceremony in 1926 when Prospect Park Plaza was formally renamed Grand Army Plaza,[137] as well as another ceremony in 1955 when the Brooklyn Dodgers won the World Series.[136] In addition, starting in 1920, a Christmas tree was erected near the arch every year.[138]

The war museum within the arch's attic was never opened to the public.[28][25] According to Augie Inzerra, who was the arch's caretaker, the idea of using the arch as a museum was scrapped after someone was injured while ascending the stairs.[25] Instead, the American Legion veterans' organization used the attic as meeting and storage space until the late 20th century.[139] The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) used the ground story of one abutment as a storage space for various tools, while the other abutment's ground story contained pumps for the adjacent Bailey Fountain.[25]

Early and mid-20th century

Brooklyn park commissioner James J. Browne requested $6,000 in 1929 to repair the arch, saying one of the quadriga's horses had come loose.[140] NYC Parks solicited bids for the arch's renovation in June 1930,[141] and workers began repairing the arch's stonework later that year.[142] NYC Parks announced in 1935 that it would clean the arch again when funds were allocated. The project would include cleaning the granite and the Army and Navy sculptural groups, as well as repairs to the brick pavement, bas-reliefs, and electroliers.[143] City officials said in 1937 that there would be no funding for the arch's restoration for at least a year,[144] but, by 1938, no renovations were being planned for the arch itself.[145] The arch was not illuminated during World War II due to wartime blackout regulations.[146] In 1941, Brooklyn borough president John Cashmore suggested illuminating the monument at night,[146] although the Board of Estimate voted to defer the installation of the lights until after the end of the war, citing a lack of funds.[147] The lights were installed in November 1945 after the Board of Estimate allocated $3,500 to pay for new floodlights.[148]

A piece of copper flashing near the arch's roof was knocked loose following a storm in 1952,[149] prompting NYC Parks officials to plan emergency repairs.[150][151] The flashing was removed pending permanent repairs.[152] NYC Parks engineers found that the original quadriga had a design flaw;[150] the bronze sculptures were mounted directly to a steel support frame, which had begun to flake over time due to water damage.[153] Engineers initially estimated that the repairs would cost $30,000, though this was later reduced to $16,000.[154] NYC Parks requested funds for the renovation in early 1954,[154][153] and the quadriga's steel frame was renovated during the mid-1950s.[155] Due to funding shortages, the floodlights were turned off before the 1960s.[156]

Following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, there were proposals to suspend an eternal flame from the arch in 1963;[157] the flame was ultimately placed next to the arch instead.[158] Additionally, in the early 1960s, Brooklyn borough president Abe Stark and NYC Parks commissioner Newbold Morris proposed adding stronger floodlights to the arch.[156][159] This was part of Stark and Morris's proposal for a wider-ranging renovation of Grand Army Plaza.[159] The city's Department of Water Supply, Gas, and Electricity approved the floodlighting proposal in early 1965.[160] Mayor John Lindsay and NYC Parks commissioner August Heckscher provided $150,000 for a renovation of the arch in 1967.[21]

Late-20th-century renovations

View of the quadriga atop the monument. The central figure came loose during a 1976 windstorm.
The quadriga's central figure came loose during a 1976 windstorm.

By the 1970s, vandals frequently spray-painted graffiti on the arch and its sculptures.[161] NYC Parks allocated around $147,000 in 1971 to clean the arch and install new pavement around it.[162][163] In addition, NYC Parks planned to add new doors, gates, chains; replace the arch's bronze decorations; and reinstall damaged lampposts.[162] The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) hosted hearings in September 1973 to determine whether the arch should be designated as a city landmark,[164] and the LPC granted the landmark designation in October 1973.[165] The Board of Estimate approved the designation that December.[166]

The central figure of the arch's quadriga came loose during a windstorm in October 1976;[167] according to Prospect Park's administrator Mariella Bisson, the figure was dangling by one screw.[49] City parks commissioner Martin Lang estimated that the arch needed $200,000 worth of repairs,[168] and members of the public requested that the figure be restored.[169] Work was delayed four years due to the New York City fiscal crisis.[136] City officials presented plans for a complete restoration of the arch to the LPC in March 1979,[170] and a $432,000 restoration contract was awarded to Thomason Industries Corporation that November.[171] The restoration included cleaning the statues, adding waterproofing and wire mesh, applying a preservative to protect against pigeon droppings, and restoring the interior stair. [171] The arch's restoration was part of a wider-ranging renovation of Prospect Park.[172] The quadriga's central figure was reinstalled in October 1980, and the restoration was completed the same month, several weeks ahead of schedule.[136][173] The arch was seldom vandalized after its renovation was completed.[39]

The roof deck reopened in 1981,[26][174] and the arch's interior was also opened to the public for the first time that year.[28][49] The public was initially allowed to access the arch's interior and deck on selected Sunday afternoons,[39][175] and 25,000 people had visited within two years of its reopening.[44] The arch lacked a climate-control system, so the deck operated only during autumn and spring.[176] The arch and its deck also began hosting artwork by local artists.[4][44] The state government provided a $160,000 grant in 1989 to fund the restoration of drainage and structural support systems.[177] Until the early 1990s, the arch hosted two art exhibitions a year; the western abutment was used as storage space, while the eastern abutment and attic were used for exhibits.[28] Comparatively few people knew about the rooftop deck as well.[178]

The arch was closed in late 1991 for a roof repair that was supposed to take two years.[179][180] By then, the attic frequently suffered water damage due to the leaky roof, restricting certain types of art from being displayed in the arch; in addition, the attic had to be repainted annually due to water infiltration. The roof restoration was expected to cost $375,000.[180] The next year, NYC Parks began preparing $380,000 worth of repairs to the statuary.[181] The arch reopened in May 1994, and artists again began hosting exhibits in the arch's attic.[50] The Prospect Park Alliance and Urban Park Rangers also hosted tours of the arch and its roof.[24] Another restoration of the arch began in July 1999 after Brooklyn borough president Howard Golden and the David Schwartz Foundation provided a combined $240,000 for the project.[182] Workers cleaned MacMonnies's sculptures, although not the bas-reliefs inside the archway opening; the restoration was completed by the end of the year.[43] The New York City Department of Transportation also painted a walkway onto the road, leading from the arch to the park's entrance.[183]

21st century

The arch as seen from the southwest in 2020

The rooftop observation deck was closed in the 2000s because the deck had severely degraded.[184][185] The New York Puppet Museum agreed to lease the room in the arch's attic from the Prospect Park Alliance in 2003, on the condition that the puppet group host three annual puppet shows in Prospect Park.[139] Music and theatrical performances also took place underneath and within the arch.[186] The sculptures were cleaned yet again in 2009;[187][188] the project cost $1.1 million and was funded by borough president Marty Markowitz and City Council member Letitia James.[188] By then, the roof was leaking and was seldom open to the public.[188] The Puppet Museum relocated to the Brooklyn College campus in 2010 due to the leaky roof.[184][189] During the 2010s, the interior was closed except for special events.[190] By then, the roof deck had partially collapsed, and invasive species were growing from the deck.[191]

The New York City government gave the Prospect Park Alliance $8.9 million in August 2018 for a full restoration of the plaza, including restoration of the arch.[185][192] At the time, the city planned to reopen the arch's observation deck once the renovation was complete.[184][185] After debris fell from the arch in late 2018, the underside of the arch was fenced off.[193][191] Designs for the project were announced in November 2020.[191][194] Western Waterproofing Co. was awarded a contract to restore the arch in March 2023,[195] and work began that May.[196][197] The project included restoration of the facade, stairways, lights, and roof.[38] The arch is closed during this work, which was expected to continue until spring 2024.[196]

Impact

Reception

Contemporary

In 1889, a writer for the magazine Harper's Weekly likened Duncan's design to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and to triumphal arches in Rome, although the arch was to be shallower and have a lower attic compared to the older arches.[66] Stone magazine wrote that the arch was unique among American memorials, which tended to be statues, columns, or shafts, and that the structure was impressive because of its size and large proportions.[9] Scientific American regarded the arch as "one of the most conspicuous and beautiful" war monuments.[23] The Manufacturer and Builder magazine described the arch as "noble in conception, imposing in magnitude, harmonious in proportion, and appropriate and effective in ornamentation".[56]

After the arch was dedicated, the Brooklyn Citizen wrote that the arch was "a noble specimen of monumental architecture, and does infinite credit to its talented designer, Mr. John H. Duncan".[198] A reporter for Scientific American wrote that they hoped the arch's completion would cause "the tasteless granite column" to fall out of fashion.[22] Conversely, the New-York Tribune described the arch as poorly placed,[199] and the Municipal Art Commission thought the arch faced the wrong way, toward the exit of Prospect Park.[200] The Brooklyn Times-Union described the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch as superior to Manhattan's Washington Square Arch[200] and, in 1913, described the arch as the "Arc de Triomphe of America".[132]

After Eakins's and Donovan's bas-reliefs were installed, the Tribune quoted critics who described the relief as "obtrusive" and "humiliating",[99] and another critic wrote that Lincoln looked like he was "begging for pennies" with his hat.[15] The American Institute of Architects' Brooklyn chapter declared the reliefs to be "disreputable examples of the arts of sculpture and design".[201] When the quadriga was installed in 1898, The New York Times wrote that the sculptures attracted "much attention by reason of its artistic beauty",[96] while the Brooklyn Daily Eagle said the quadriga had a "proud, heroic, strong" effect.[202] The Brooklyn Daily Eagle critic wrote that the quadriga added an artistic touch to the arch, whereas the bas-reliefs were present purely for political purposes.[202] Brooklyn Life said the MacMonnies statues "are fine pieces of sculpture that will bear study at quite close range".[203]

Retrospective

The architectural critic Henry Hope Reed Jr. wrote in 1963 that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch was the "outstanding triumphal arch in the country" in part because of its sculptural decoration.[204] A New York Times writer said in 1973 that the Grant and Lincoln reliefs evoked European equestrian statues but that they still had "downhome simplicity about them".[205] Paul Goldberger, writing for the same newspaper in 1984, said that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch was the greatest classical grouping in New York City" despite the disconnected architecture of the surrounding neighborhood.[206] A writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer said the arch's placement was as "majestic as the Arc de Triomphe",[207] and NYC Parks commissioner Adrian Benepe regarded the arch as likely "the city's most impressive work of art".[40]

Jesse Goldstein of The Village Voice said in 2002 that, because of the arch's presence, Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza was superior to the similarly named plaza in Manhattan.[208] Similarly, a writer for The American Enterprise regarded the arch as the best example of a triumphal arch in the United States.[209] In 2011, a writer for American Civil War magazine wrote that the arch's design was "perhaps second only to the Arc de Triomphe", even though the Brooklyn arch was hard for pedestrians to access.[34]

Design influence

The arch's design inspired that of the gateway to the LIU Brooklyn campus in Downtown Brooklyn.[210] In addition, mosaics and plaques with angel motifs were installed in the New York City Subway's nearby Grand Army Plaza station in 1996. The motifs, part of an artwork known as Wings for the IRT: The Irresistible Romance of Travel, were inspired by the decorations on the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch.[211] Depictions of the arch are also engraved onto bronze medallions at the Park Union, a nearby apartment building.[212]

See also

References

Notes

  1. ^ During the arch's construction, contemporary media sources wrote that the structure was 71 feet (22 m) tall, 80 feet wide, and 45 feet (14 m) long. In addition, the archway opening was cited as 48.5 feet (14.8 m) tall by 37 feet (11 m) wide,[9][10] and the abutments were cited as 26 feet (7.9 m) wide.[11]
  2. ^ One source incorrectly attributes the bas-reliefs to Maurice J. Power.[7]
  3. ^ Brooklyn became part of the City of Greater New York in 1898.[20]

Citations

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  3. ^ a b "Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch : NYC Parks". New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Colford, Paul (November 1, 1983). "A New Life for the Arch". Newsday. pp. 112, 113. ISSN 2574-5298. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn (PDF) (Report). New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. October 16, 1973. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  6. ^ Pollak, Michael (August 13, 2006). "Show Must Go on, Sometime". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Quadriga for Memorial Arch, Brooklyn". The Monumental News. No. v. 8. R.J. Haight. 1896. p. 623. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e Downing, John J. (July 19, 1933). "Many Works of Art to Be Found in Prospect Park Recent Survey Reveals". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. p. 34. Retrieved June 30, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "The Brooklyn Memorial Arch". Stone. Vol. 2, no. 9. January 1, 1890. p. 160. ProQuest 913063188.
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  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "The Triumphal Arch: Memorial to the Dead Soldiers and Sailors of the City Completion of Work Upon a Noble Structure—the Sum of $250,000 Expended". New-York Tribune. September 18, 1892. p. 19. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 573734028.
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  31. ^ a b Berenson & DeMause 2001, pp. 32–33.
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  41. ^ a b "'Boys in Blue' on Arch Are French Soldiers". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. November 28, 1930. pp. 1, 2. Retrieved June 30, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
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  95. ^ "Affairs in Brooklyn: a Bronze Quadriga for the Arch Gathered About the Town". New-York Tribune. October 19, 1894. p. 12. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 573969665; "Art at the Park". The Standard Union. October 18, 1894. p. 1. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
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  98. ^ a b "Arch Bas Reliefs in Place". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. December 19, 1895. p. 4. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  99. ^ a b "Art Works Criticized: the New Bronze Panels in the Brooklyn Memorial Arch". New-York Tribune. January 5, 1896. p. 16. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 574133690. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
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  101. ^ "The City Owns the Panels: Final Payment of $7,500 for the Reliefs on the Arch". New-York Tribune. July 15, 1896. p. 13. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 574207181.
  102. ^ a b "Prospect Park Improvements". Times Union. May 16, 1896. p. 18. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  103. ^ "Prospect Park". The Standard Union. April 24, 1896. p. 5. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  104. ^ "American Sculpture: Work Which MacMonnies is Doing for Brooklyn—Glimpses of a Working Studio". New-York Tribune. July 28, 1895. p. 23. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 574062058.
  105. ^ "Work on the Bronzes: Present Stage of Mr. MacMonnies's Park Plaza Contracts the Quadriga for the Arch Well Advanced—first Sketches Made for the Army and Navy Groups—what the Sculptor Says in a Letter to Expark Commissioner Squire". New-York Tribune. August 23, 1896. p. 15. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 574210237.
  106. ^ "News of Brooklyn: Art Works Nearly Ready Macmonnies Busily Engaged on the Groups for the City the Quadriga for the Plaza Arch to Be Cast Soon—other Statues Being Completed in His Paris Studio". New-York Tribune. June 29, 1897. p. 4. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 574310778. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
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  108. ^ "Memorial Arch Statuary: Grand Army Men Wish to Unveil It on Memorial Day if Macmonnies Can Finish It in Time They Will Have an Extensive, Celebration and Invite the Sculptor to Be a Guest of Honor Be a Guest of Honor". New-York Tribune. November 14, 1897. p. A5. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 574370049; "MacMonnies' Masterpieces". The Standard Union. November 15, 1897. p. 3. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  109. ^ "Arrival of Quadriga". The Standard Union. August 15, 1898. p. 8. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via newspapers.com; "For Memorial Arch". Times Union. August 15, 1898. p. 2. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  110. ^ "Bronze Pieces for the Park". The Standard Union. May 11, 1898. p. 8. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  111. ^ a b "Brooklyn's Quadriga: It is Being Placed on the Memorial Arch the Latest Work of Frederick Macmonnies to Stand at the Entrance to Prospect Park". New-York Tribune. November 6, 1898. p. C10. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 574534546.
  112. ^ a b "Work on the Quadriga". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. October 28, 1898. p. 16. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  113. ^ "Paris Letter". Brooklyn Life. October 29, 1898. p. 14. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  114. ^ "Quadriga in Its Place". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. December 4, 1898. p. 31. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  115. ^ "Sculpture for the Park: the Macmonnies Model of the Bronze for Brooklyn's Arch Finished—the Third-st. Entrance". New-York Tribune. November 20, 1898. p. S1. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 574530211.
  116. ^ "Art Gossip". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. July 23, 1899. p. 19. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  117. ^ "More MacMonnies Groups". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. March 27, 1900. p. 2. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
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  119. ^ "Sculpture Group Not Placed". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. August 2, 1900. p. 1. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com; "Trouble Over the Statue". The Standard Union. August 2, 1900. p. 6. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  120. ^ a b "Wrangle Over MacMonnies' Groups". Times Union. August 2, 1900. p. 8. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
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  122. ^ a b "Macmonnies in Trouble: Difficulties Encountered in Placing the Army Group". New-York Tribune. September 23, 1900. p. A11. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 570844659.
  123. ^ "Bronze Group for Plaza". The Standard Union. September 24, 1900. p. 10. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  124. ^ a b "Art Notes". The Art Interchange. Vol. 45, no. 5. November 1, 1900. p. 114. ProQuest 128281849.
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  126. ^ Berenson & DeMause 2001, p. 35.
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  133. ^ "Boys Brigades to Parade". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 22, 1914. p. 18. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  134. ^ See, for example: "10,000 March in Brooklyn; 250 G.A.R. Veterans Ride in Autos in Parade of Four Miles". The New York Times. May 31, 1927. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
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