Lecture Notes: Historical Walkthrough of Central Park

Overview

• Speaker: Michael Whitner, Architect
• Topic: Exploring Central Park's hidden history and its connections to world history.

Introduction

• Central Park was non-existent 200 years ago.
• The park holds evidence of 13,000 years of history.

Historical Pathways

• Columbus Circle Entrance: Intersection of Broadway, 59th Street, and Central Park West.
  • Broadway's historical significance, predating Central Park.
  • Originally a long-standing Native American trail.
• Broadway Highlights:
  • Known for theater and first electric street lamps.
  • Runs diagonally across Manhattan's grid.
  • One of the few roads that run true north in Manhattan.

Geographical and Geological Features

• Glen Span Arch (near 103rd Street):
  • Composed of billion-year-old Fordham Gneiss stones.
  • Feels like a portal to a pre-modern Manhattan.
• Natural Features:
  • Montayne’s Rivulet:
    • Only natural water source in the park.
    • Historically flowed to the East River.
  • The Grotto:
    • A man-made cave feature near water.

Historical Artifacts and Structures

• Cleopatra's Needle (Obelisk):
  • Originated in Heliopolis, Egypt, 3,500 years ago.
  • Gifted to the United States in the 1870s.
  • Moved to New York involving significant engineering.
• The Blockhouse:
  • Built for the War of 1812, never used in war.
  • One of Manhattan’s oldest structures.

The Arsenal Building

• Background:
  • Constructed under Millard Fillmore.
  • Initially an arms storage for the militia.
• Subsequent Uses:
  • American Museum of Natural History's first home.
  • Art gallery and original weather station.
  • Currently houses NYC Parks and Recreation headquarters.

Revolutionary Era Landmarks

• McGown’s Pass:
  • Key site during the Revolutionary War.
  • Boston Post Road, a strategic route during the era.
• Seneca Village and Mount St. Vincent:
  • Black settlement and convent displaced for the park.

Park Design Philosophy

• Entrance Naming Philosophy:
  • Named after occupations and societal roles.
  • Reflects a democratic, inclusive vision by the park's designers.
• Influence of Frederick Law Olmsted:
  • Opposed grand entrance plaza proposals, favoring egalitarian access.

Conclusion

• Central Park is a treasure trove of historical narratives, embodying both natural and constructed history.
• Encompasses diverse historical artifacts, geographical features, and philosophical ideals.