Indian Columbus

Central Park in New York pays tribute to a select group of literary greats through its beautifully crafted monuments, particularly along the Literary Walk in The Mall. Among these is the statue of Robert Burns , the national poet of Scotland, whose verses continue to resonate with readers around the world. The statue was installed in 1880 and was sculpted by Sir John Steell , the same artist responsible for the nearby statue of Walter Scott. Steell’s work brings out the romantic intensity and rustic charm associated with Burns, capturing the poet’s deep emotional connection to nature and the Scottish countryside. The Statue of Robert Bruns - Central Park, New York Robert Burns is depicted seated on a rustic boulder , with a quill in his right hand and a notebook or journal in his left. His head is slightly turned, and his eyes gaze forward in quiet contemplation, as though in search of poetic inspiration. His garments — a long coat and knee-length breeches — are sculpted with rich d...

Central Park in New York is dotted with monuments celebrating renowned figures from literature, politics, and the arts. One such statue, often overlooked but of great historical and literary significance, is that of Sir Walter Scott , the celebrated Scottish novelist and poet. This statue is located on the Literary Walk , a section of the Mall within Central Park. It stands among a distinguished company of literary greats, including Shakespeare and Robert Burns. Walter Scott Statue – Central Park, New York Sculpted by John Steell , a prominent Scottish sculptor, the statue was installed in 1872 , making it one of the earlier additions to the park’s sculptural heritage. The statue depicts Sir Walter Scott in a seated pose, with a calm, thoughtful expression. Draped in a cloak, he holds a quill in one hand and a book in the other, reflecting his deep connection with writing. The folds of his garment, draped classically over his shoulders and knees, are deeply incised, giving texture a...

Central Park, the green heart of New York City, is home to numerous sculptures, each with its own story. Among them stands a grand tribute to one of the greatest playwrights of all time—William Shakespeare. This bronze statue, mounted on a granite pedestal, was dedicated on April 23, 1864, marking the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth. In 1864, a group of actors and theatre managers, including the renowned Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth, sought permission from Central Park’s Board of Commissioners to erect a statue in honor of the Bard. The chosen location was at the south end of the Mall, between two elms. However, due to the ongoing Civil War, the project was delayed. It was only in 1866 that a competition was held, and the sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward was selected to create the statue. (For the benefit of beginners -  The Mall in Central Park refers to a wide, straight pathway lined with large American elm trees. It is one of the park’s main promenades, designed for...

In the heart of New York City, near the bustling entrance of Central Park's Merchants' Gate , stands the imposing Maine Monument . This architectural and sculptural marvel commemorates the 266 sailors who tragically lost their lives when the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor in Cuba on February 15, 1898 . Though the cause of the explosion remains a mystery, the event became a rallying cry for the Spanish-American War and left an indelible mark on American history. The Spanish-American War, which ended later that year, resulted in Cuba gaining nominal independence, while the U.S. gained control of territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, marking its emergence as a global power. Atlantic Ocean A Nation United in Grief and Patriotism When news of the USS Maine disaster spread, the American public, fueled by the sensationalist reporting of William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer , two popular newspaper publishers, demanded action. President William McKinle...