George Washington Statue

The equestrian statue of George Washington in Union Square stands as the oldest sculpture in the entire New York City park system. It was unveiled on July 4, 1856, after the sculptor Henry Kirke Brown spent four years perfecting the bronze work. The monument captures a specific historical moment known as Evacuation Day, depicting Washington on horseback as he led the Continental Army back into Manhattan on November 25, 1783, immediately after the last British troops departed the city.