“FACE N.W. TO THE WOOLWORTH BUILDING.” That almost happened to Minerva. Today, we stand before Minerva and the Altar to Liberty, a monument with a fascinating story. It’s a story of art, history, and a fortunate change of plans.
Minerva stands on Battle Hill. This is the highest point in Brooklyn. From here, she appears to wave to the Statue of Liberty. They create a dynamic relationship across the harbor.
Charles Higgins led the charge for this project. He made his fortune with Higgins India Ink. Higgins felt the Battle of Brooklyn was overlooked. This battle on August 27, 1776, was historically significant. It was the first battle after the Declaration of Independence.
Higgins purchased land in Green-Wood Cemetery. He intended to build a family mausoleum there. But he also wanted to commemorate the Battle of Brooklyn. So, he commissioned the Altar of Liberty and Minerva. Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom and war.
Frederick Wellington Ruckstull sculpted the statue. The statue of Minerva was unveiled on August 27, 1920. Al Smith, then governor, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt attended the ceremony.
Initially, the plans for Minerva were different. A blueprint shows Minerva facing the Woolworth Building. The Woolworth Building was a sensation. It was the world’s tallest building. But Higgins changed the plans. He wanted Minerva to face the Statue of Liberty. The inscription reads “POINTING DIRECTLY TO THE STATUE OF LIBERTY.”
Minerva’s design evolved. The original drawing shows her body turned to the right. Her right arm did not salute. She held flowers in her left arm. The final bronze statue has its shoulders straight. Her left arm is upraised. She holds a laurel wreath in her right arm.
Higgins chose this spot carefully. He wanted the two statues of liberty to be seen together. Minerva’s waving hand is reciprocated by Lady Liberty’s torch.
The view from here has been threatened by developers. But public outcry has preserved the historic view. So, we can see Minerva saluting her sister in the harbor. The Statue of Liberty salutes Minerva back. It’s much better the way it turned out.