Centennial Arch Celebrates Washington's Legacy

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In 1889, renowned architect Stanford White designed a temporary wooden triumphal arch for New York's Washington Square Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration at Federal Hall. The arch, topped with a wooden sculpture of the first president, was erected as part of the city's centennial celebrations.

Why it matters

The Centennial Arch was a grand public monument that honored Washington's legacy and the founding of the nation. It represented a significant moment in New York City's history, when the city came together to celebrate its role in the birth of the United States.

The details

The Centennial Arch was a 77-foot-tall wooden structure designed by renowned architect Stanford White. It featured classical columns and was topped with a wooden sculpture of George Washington. The temporary monument was erected in Washington Square Park for the 1889 centennial celebrations of Washington's inauguration, which took place at Federal Hall in lower Manhattan.

• The Centennial Arch was erected in 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration.
• The arch was a temporary structure that was only in place for the duration of the 1889 centennial celebrations.