Whose idea was it to put a steamboat in the middle of this park? You might ask yourself that, standing here in front of the Robert Fulton Statue. The Robert Fulton Statue in Fulton Park, Brooklyn, isn’t your typical monument. This towering figure, crafted by Caspar Buberl in 1872, depicts Robert Fulton, a man who revolutionized transportation. But instead of a stoic pose, Fulton clutches a model of his groundbreaking invention: the steamboat. It’s a dynamic image, capturing the spirit of innovation that Fulton embodied.
The Robert Fulton Statue has witnessed a lot of history. Originally gracing the Fulton Ferry Building, it was a symbol of Brooklyn’s maritime prowess. When the ferry service ended in 1926, the statue moved here, to Fulton Park, in 1930. This park, named after Fulton himself, became a fitting home. Over time, the elements took their toll on the original zinc statue. A bronze replica replaced it in 1955, ensuring that Fulton’s legacy, and his steamboat, would continue to inspire generations to come.