Lecture Notes: A Walk Through Time in Central Park

Introduction

• Speaker: Michael Weitzner, architect.
• Topic: Discovering 13,000 years of history in Central Park, NYC.

Columbus Circle Entrance

• Location: Intersection of Broadway, 59th St, and Central Park West.
• History: Known as Grand Circle/the Circle.
• Significance:
  • Broadway's historic path used by Lenape people for 13,000 years.
  • Dutch called it One-Arch-Giwi-Arch Trail.
  • Broadway is famous for theater and as the first electric streetlamp road in NYC.
  • Notable for cutting through Manhattan's street grid diagonally and its true north alignment.

Geological History: Glenspan Arch

• Location: Near the northern end at 103rd Street.
• Composition:
  • Manhattan Schist (450 million years old) and Fordham Gneiss (over 1 billion years old).
  • Stones shaped as voussoir (wedge-shaped blocks).
• Natural Features: Montaigne’s Rivulet - only natural water source in Central Park.

Cleopatra's Needle

• Origin: Carved 3,500 years ago in Heliopolis, Egypt.
• History:
  • Gifted to the USA in the 1870s.
  • Originally for Pharaoh Thutmose III, moved by Romans to Alexandria.
  • Supported by replica bronze crabs, originals in museum.
• Transportation: Moved by Roebling Company, took 35 days via special railroad.

The Block House

• Function: Fort from the War of 1812.
• Construction: Built hastily, stones don't match.
• Preservation: By Vaux and Olmsted as an architectural folly.
• Strategic Position: Among other forts like Fort Clinton.

The Arsenal

• Initial Use: Arms storage for NY State militia, overseen by Millard Fillmore.
• Subsequent Uses:
  • Museum of Natural History, art gallery, weather station.
  • Now houses NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.
• Architectural Features: Castle-like crenellations.

McGown's Pass

• Historical Importance: Key Revolutionary War site.
• Notable Events:
  • British stopped by Washington's troops in 1776.
  • George Washington’s victory march on Evacuation Day.
• Lost Communities: Seneca Village and Mount St. Vincent's Convent.

Central Park Entrances and Philosophy

• Design Philosophy:
  • Designed with multiple entrances for inclusivity.
  • Original gates named after occupations reflecting societal roles.
• Cultural Significance: Celebrates diverse cultures and immigrant contributions.
• Philosophical Statement: Reflects ideals against slavery, promoting free labor.

Additional Historical Insights

• Designer's Vision: Vaux and Olmsted’s egalitarian park design vision.
• Modern Implementation: Gate names carved in 2000 by Central Park Conservancy.
• Architectural Contributions: Richard Morris Hunt’s contributions to the Met and original park designs.

Conclusion

• Summary: Central Park is a rich tapestry of geological, cultural, and historical significance.
• Call to Action: Audience invited to suggest other historical places of interest.