DePeyster Statue, Bowling Green (1936) shows the statue of Abraham de Peyster in the foreground, with a recognizable Broadway in the background. Born in 1657 in what was still New Amsterdam, de Peyster was the 21st mayor of New York City (1692-1694) and governor of New York (1700-1701). His statue, commissioned by one of his descendants, was originally intended for Battery Park in 1895, but this was met with strong resistance. Some thought there were more than enough statues in Battery Park already, while others considered it “aristocratic,” and not in keeping with a city populated by new immigrants. Instead, it was dedicated at Bowling Green in 1896, where it stood until 1972, when it was removed due to subway renovations. In 1976 it was relocated to Hanover Square, only to be removed in 2004 to make room for the Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden. Since 2014 it resides at Foley Square.
In contrast to de Peyster’s statue, Charging Bull stands on the north end of Bowling Green Park and is not going anywhere. It was created by Arturo DiModica, who dropped it in front of the New York Stock Exchange on the night of 14 December 1989. Initially removed by the NYPD later that day, it was placed in its current location on 20 December, and became one of the most iconic statues in the city. Its meaning is left as an exercise for the viewer.
The traditional Rubbing of the Bull’s Balls ceremony
Bowling Green, Southern tip