How about a colossal blue C? Right before you stands Big C Rock a 100-foot Fordham gneiss monolith overlooking the Harlem River. This isn’t just any rock. It’s a testament to Columbia University’s athletic spirit a symbol painted on the face of a cliff.
Big C Rock’s story begins in 1952. Two Columbia heavyweight rowing team members Robert Prendergast and Donald Fagan conceived the idea. They sought permission from the New York Central Railroad the land’s owner. With permission in hand they began painting the enormous C. They didn’t finish before graduation. Others completed the work by 1961.
The Big C wasn’t always pristine. It needed periodic touch-ups. An accident in 1976 halted maintenance. Liability concerns were raised. Yet the spirit of Columbia persevered. In 1985 Dan Eiref devised a safety rig. The university contributed $300. The Big C was repainted. It measures a stunning 60 feet by 60 feet.
The Big C isn’t officially a landmark. But it is a beloved local icon. A symbol of Columbia’s legacy. Generations of students have seen it. It has witnessed countless sporting events. A sight for rowers and spectators alike. It’s a symbol of athletic intimidation a welcome to their home. It’s also a spot for local teens to test their daring. They jump from its heights. It’s a tradition. It’s a part of the neighborhood. It’s Big C Rock. A symbol of school pride a testament to human determination and a thrilling viewpoint.