Brooklyn Monuments: 10 Unmissable Monuments in Brooklyn
Looking to uncover some of the best monuments in Brooklyn, NY?
You’ve come to the right place. Brooklyn is one of my favorite places in the US, and I consider myself an expert when it comes to traveling in this part of New York.
There are hundreds of monuments and memorials all across New York City and the borough of Brooklyn has lots of its own to discover and admire.
While you’ll likely be able to list several statues, monuments, and memorials that you could visit in Manhattan such as the memorial at the World Trade Center, the monuments in Brooklyn are a lot less known (but still very significant).
This blog post will show you 10 Brooklyn monuments you should make sure to look out for on your trip, what they represent, and a bit about their history and creation. Let’s get started…
Brooklyn Monuments
There are several monuments across Brooklyn dedicated to several events and prominent figures and you’re likely to spot a lot of them on a simple stroll through the area.
In no particular order, I’ve put together the best monuments that you should make time to stop by, photograph, educate yourself about, or pay your respects at.
1. Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch
The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch in Brooklyn is one of the most prominent monuments in the district and is located at the Grand Army Plaza. The arch was constructed in 1892, commemorating the Union forces that fought in the American Civil War.
The monument was designed by John H. Duncan, a famous architect, and features a grand archway surrounded by intricately carved figures. At the top of the arch sits a bronze statue of the goddess Columbia riding a chariot.
Other bronze figures of the Spirit of the Army and the Navy decorate the archway and represent the bravery and sacrifice that soldiers and sailors made during the war.
2. Christopher Columbus Statue
The Christopher Columbus statue which stands in Columbus Park in Brooklyn was erected in 1869 in memory of the famous Italian explorer.
Christopher Columbus is known for his incredible 1492 voyage which led to the Europeans to discover the American continents.
The statue was crafted by Emma Stebbins and depicts Columbus standing in a confident pose with a map in one hand, as a testament to his lifetime’s work in navigation and exploration.
Columbus Park is a popular green space in Brooklyn where many locals go to enjoy a picnic or to have a stroll following a busy day at work and the statue of the explorer stands in its center, waiting to be admired
3. Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance
The Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, located at the MCU Park in Coney Island is a poignant and important tribute to the heroes that served on September 11, 2001.
Unveiled in 2004, the memorial is etched with images of the 417 firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical workers who sacrificed their lives during the tragic events of 9/11, when the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City were destroyed in a terrorist attack.
The wall is located within the baseball stadium, providing a place for reflection and remembrance of the heroes of that day amongst the hectic and lively atmosphere of the park.
4. John F. Kennedy Memorial
The John F. Kennedy Monument stands as a tribute to the 35th President of the United States and is located in the Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn.
The bronze bust of the president on top of a granite pedestal was first erected in 1965, two years after his death, but a newer edition of the sculpture was unveiled in 2010.
The granite pedestal features his birth and death date along with the years he served in the presidential office prior to his assassination while the statue of his head and torso shows him looking thoughtful and determined.
Being one of the country’s most loved and accepted modern presidents, it is fitting that his statue stands so proudly at the Grand Army Plaza.
Positioned within the bustling heart of Brooklyn, the JFK monument stands as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the vision he had for America.
5. Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument
The Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument is located in Fort Greene Park and commemorates the 11,500+ American prisoners of war who perished onboard British prison ships during the American Revolutionary War.
The monument was dedicated in 1908 after several years of design and reconstruction and features a 149-foot column that sits on top of a crypt that holds some of the remains of the prison ship martyrs. The final edition was designed by architect Stanford White.
At the top of the monument sits a bronze urn, representative of the death and suffering of those prisoners on the ships.
The monument is a somber and powerful symbol of sacrifice and patriotism, honoring those who endured difficult trials and hardships for the cause of American independence.
6. Brooklyn War Memorial
The Brooklyn War Memorial in Cadman Plaza Park stands to honor the Brooklyn residents who served in WWII.
Dedicated in 1951, the monument is a tribute to the 300,000 men and women from Brooklyn who served in the war, with 11,000 names of the fallen engraved on its main auditorium.
However, to view this section of the building, then you must have an appointment, which is largely reserved for families of WWII veterans.
The memorial, designed by architect Stuart Constable and sculptor Charles Keck is very impressive in its size and design. The monument features two huge, limestone statues which represent family and victory – one being a male warrior and the other a female with a child.
The memorial serves as a reminder to locals and tourists of the community’s contributions and sacrifices during the war and is a space for quiet reflection and remembrance in the busy urban setting.
7. Henry Ward Beecher Monument
The Henry Ward Beecher Monument is also located in Columbus Park in Brooklyn and honors the influential clergyman and abolitionist who lived in the 1800s.
The bronze statue of Beecher was sculpted by John Quincy Adams Ward and unveiled in 1891. It commemorates him standing powerfully and with a determined face, set on obtaining social justice.
There are other smaller bronze figures at the base of the statue, including small children, one of which is an African American, reflecting Beecher’s support of the abolition of slavery and his dedication to the protection of the rights of children.
An interesting fact about the statue’s design is that a death mask was taken of Beecher after he passed away in order to make the sculpture as accurate as possible, alongside other photographs and paintings.
8. Dover Patrol Monument
The Dover Patrol Monument in John Paul Jones Park commemorates the heroic efforts of the Royal Navy’s Dover Patrol during WWI.
The 75-foot tall obelisk is constructed from large blocks of granite stone and was designed by Sir Aston Webb, who is best known for designing the facade of Buckingham Palace in London. It was erected around 13 years after the end of the war in 1931.
The monument honors the 2,000 members of the Dover Patrol who lost their lives during the war. Their main duties involved surveillance of the southern part of the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Strait of Dover, maintaining Britain’s cargo lines, escorting the country’s ships, and sweeping the ocean for German attackers.
The monument in Brooklyn is one of a trio that commemorates the patrol, with two other obelisks also standing in Dover, England, and Calais, France. Each monument is inscribed with dedications to those who fought, remembering the sacrifices that they made.
The one in Brooklyn also commends the work of the American Naval Force that assisted members of the Dover Patrol.
9. Lafayette Memorial
The Lafayette Memorial in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park honors Marquis de Lafayette, a French nobleman and military officer who played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War.
The monument was designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon and was dedicated in 1917.
The memorial features a bronze relief of Lafayette in his army uniform alongside a groom and a horse. His pose exudes confidence and leadership, representative of his contributions to American independence.
Located near the park’s entrance at Ninth Street, the Lafayette Memorial remembers the prominent Franco-American friendship and political relationship during the war and Lafayette’s unwavering commitment to the fight for liberty and justice.
10. General Henry Warner Slocum Statue
The General Henry Warner Slocum statue is another monument located in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza and honors a distinguished Union Army General who played a key role in the American Civil War.
The equestrian statue of Slocum was erected in 1904, and sculpted by Frederick William MacMonnies. The bronze statue depicts Slocum confidently mounted on his horse and holding his sword upwards, on top of a granite pedestal, displaying his role as a military leader.
Slocum is best remembered for his contributions at the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Gaines’ Mill. Following the war, he moved to Brooklyn where he spent several years as a member of the United States House of Representatives.
The statue is an excellent example of the many intricate bronze dedications that exist all across the city and is perhaps one of the most detailed, with the features of the horse’s saddlery being one of its most impressive aspects.
FAQs
Below are some questions about monuments in Brooklyn along with my expert answers to each question.
The most famous monument in the State of New York is definitely the Statue of Liberty which stands as a symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope.
Three famous landmarks in New York City are the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge, each representing the city’s architectural prowess and cultural significance.
The oldest monument in New York City is Cleopatra’s Needle, an ancient Egyptian obelisk dating back to around 1450 BC, which has been located in Central Park since 1881.
Final Thoughts on the BEST Brooklyn Monuments
And there you have it, a complete list of the best monuments in Brooklyn you can’t miss during your trip.
There are several great monuments and memorials across the Borough of Brooklyn in New York City, many of which commemorate the victims of several wars and tragedies.
From the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument to the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, there are spaces all across Brooklyn to pay your respects to past residents.
The landmarks honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who have shaped the nation’s history, serving as enduring reminders of courage, leadership, and resilience.
As Brooklyn continues to grow and evolve, its monuments stand as timeless reminders, preserving the stories and legacies of the individuals and events that have profoundly influenced American history.
While you’re planning your trip to Brooklyn, make sure you check out my other post on New York City in a Day, a full guide to all the top attractions as recommended by a local (me!).
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