Amidst the towering skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan, discover Vietnam Veterans Plaza. This poignant memorial stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of New York City’s citizens who served in the Vietnam War. Originally known as Jeannette Park, this trapezoidal plot of land once served as Coenties Slip, a bustling roadway used by Dutch sailors as far back as the 17th century. The slip was filled in 1835, and the area was later renamed Jeannette Park in 1884, commemorating the USS Jeannette’s Arctic expedition. In 1982, plans emerged to transform Jeannette Park into a memorial for Vietnam War veterans. Architects Peter Wormser and William Fellows, along with writer Joseph Ferrandino, won the design competition, and with significant private donations, including a substantial contribution from Donald Trump, the plaza was reborn. Vietnam Veterans Plaza was officially dedicated on May 6, 1985, by Mayor Edward I. Koch. It honors the 1,741 New Yorkers who died in the war and the 250,000 who served between 1964 and 1975. The plaza features a “Walk of Honor” with twelve polished granite pylons inscribed with the names of the fallen. A central black granite fountain provides a serene focal point for reflection. Following the September 11th attacks, the plaza underwent a $7 million restoration and was rededicated by Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 2001. Vietnam Veterans Plaza continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. It stands as a place of remembrance, healing, and honor in the heart of New York City.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to