Bowling Green
DePeyster Statue, Bowling Green (1936). In the first image of her book, Abbott shows a 19th century statue of a 17th century grandee, with 20th century skyscrapers in the background. Born in 1657 in what was still New Amsterdam, Abraham 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, 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. Created by Arturo DiModica, he dropped it in front of the New York Stock Exchange on the night of 14 December 1989. It was removed by the NYPD later that day, but placed in its current location on 20 December. It is now 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. The iron fence dates back to the 18th century