It’s funny when you notice something that you never have before. Walking from the Eastern side of the Park towards the Arch the other day, I noticed, for the first time, that there are Roman numerals up top on the eastern side of the structure. Having not thought about reading Roman numerals in a pretty long while, I did a bit of research to relearn how to decipher them (which was sort of fun).
The date there on the side of the Arch is not what I would have expected. The Arch was created to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of George Washington’s inauguration. It was first constructed in wood and unveiled to commemorate the centennial in 1889. It originally resided half a block away from its current location; the version we see today was later constructed in marble and made permanent.
The date on the side of the Arch is not 1889 to mark the centennial and when the first Arch was built nor the date when the current Arch was finished – 1890-1892 – but is 1789 – the actual year of Washington’s inauguration. (This is assuming I have read these Roman numerals correctly which I’m pretty sure I have.) We wouldn’t do it that way today – marking that date instead of the date of construction or some other significance.
It’s amazing reflecting on how old – and magnificent – the Arch is.
* Previously at WSP Blog: History of the Washington Square Arch and “Exitus Acta Probat”
Photos: Cathryn.
A message from the 1789 French Revolution to Occupy Wall Street today, saying: “Good place for a Guillotine.”
The 1 percent solution.
Love this!
Mitchel, Interesting…
Johanna, Thanks!
(Sorry delayed reaction — I just saw both of your comments !!)
Cathryn.