Charlton Plaza

Ave. of Americas, King St. and Charlton St.

Manhattan

Directions via Google Maps

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

Charlton Plaza is bounded by the Avenue of the Americas, King Street, and Charlton Street. The plaza is named in honor of Dr. John Charlton (1731Α-1801), a celebrated English surgeon who arrived in New York with British troops during the Revolutionary War. Following England’s defeat, Charlton remained in the newly independent colonies and became the president of the Medical Society of the State of New York. This respected organization, begun in 1749, struggled through the Revolutionary period due to poor organization. In 1794, Charlton reorganized the group, and by 1796, the Society had begun to influence local and state health policy. As president of the Society, Dr. Charlton fought for the inclusion of educational standards in the licensing requirements for medical practitioners. Under his guidance, the Society also provided guidance to the New York City and State governments during a series of yellow fever epidemics. The Society’s recommendations led to t…

Show Disclaimer