13. Union Square Has the First Bronze-Casted American Equestrian Sculpture

The statue of George Washington in Union Square Park

The tall statue of George Washington proudly on his horse in Union Square Park is not only the first bronze-casted equestrian statue in America, but also the oldest sculpture in the New York City Parks collection. It was the first public sculpture in New York City since that of George III before the American Revolution.

The statue, created by Henry Kirke Brown and dedicated in 1865, depicts Washington on Evacuation Day, which was when he reclaimed New York Town on Manhattan Island, and then triumphantly marched south down Manhattan towards the Battery. The sculpture originally stood outside the park on Fourth Avenue but is now located inside the park.