Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument – Central Park, New York

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For over a century, the statues in Central Park largely depicted male figures - poets, explorers, and politicians, while women were represented only through fictional characters like Alice in Wonderland. That changed in 2020, when the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument was unveiled, making history as the first statue in Central Park to honor real-life women.

Located along the Literary Walk in The Mall, this monument commemorates Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, three leading figures in the 19th-century movement for women's rights and social justice in the United States. Sculpted by Meredith Bergmann, the statue was unveiled on August 26, 2020, marking the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted American women the right to vote.

Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument – Central Park, New York
Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument – Central Park, New York


The sculpture features the three women seated around a table, actively engaged in discussion and collaboration. Each figure is portrayed with meticulous attention to detail:

  • Sojourner Truth is shown speaking, with her right hand raised and a book resting on her lap, representing her role as an orator and advocate for both abolition and women’s rights. She wears a headwrap and layered clothing that reflect her background and dignity.

  • Susan B. Anthony, in the center, appears poised and focused, holding a document. She is portrayed as the organizer, symbolizing her tireless campaigning for suffrage.

  • Elizabeth Cady Stanton, seated to the right, is depicted writing with a quill, representing her prolific authorship and leadership in early feminist thought.

The folds of their garments are carved with precision, and the dynamic interaction between the three creates a sense of active, shared purpose. The table between them also carries symbolic importance; it is a space of collaboration, strategy, and revolutionary ideas.

Unlike other statues in the park that often stand alone or on high pedestals, this monument invites viewers into the scene. It is designed to be at eye level, encouraging interaction and reflection.

This powerful tribute corrects a long-standing gap in the park’s representation of real women in history. It honors not only the individual contributions of Truth, Anthony, and Stanton but also the collective force of the women’s rights movement.

For visitors walking through the Literary Walk, the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument offers a moment to pause and consider the struggles, debates, and courage that shaped the fight for equality.

How to Reach

The Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument is located at the north end of the Literary Walk in The Mall, Central Park. The nearest entrances are at 66th Street and Fifth Avenue.

Location: Central Park, New York
Year Installed: 2020
Sculptor: Meredith Bergmann

Happy travelling.


Other Monuments and Statues in New York

Location: Central Park, New York, NY, USA

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