Union Square Park

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Independence Flagstaff

History

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

Although this flagstaff commemorates the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is also known as the Charles F. Murphy Memorial Flagpole. The intricate bas-reliefs and plaques were completed in 1926 by sculptor Anthony De Francisci (1887–1964), and feature a procession of allegorical figures representing democracy and tyranny, the text of the Declaration of Independence, and emblems from the original 13 colonies. The enormous flagpole, said to be one of the largest in New York State, is capped with a gilded sunburst.

The Independence Flagstaff was a gift of the Tammany Society, and replaced a flagstaff built during the tenure of Tammany president Charles F. Murphy (1858–1924), a boss in the infamous political machine. After Murphy’s death, Tammany supporters wanted to dedicate this bigger and better flagstaff to Murphy. Public sentiment prevented honoring a symbol of Tammany corruption in a manner commensurate with Lincoln and Washington at Union Square Park, and by the time the Murphy Flagpole was dedicated on July 4, 1930, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it was referred to as the Independence Flagstaff. The flagstaff has been restored extensively through the years, most recently in 1987 when the stone pedestal was renovated and the flagpole reinstalled.

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Independence Flagstaff Details

Location: Center of park
Sculptor: Anthony de Francisci
Architect: Perry Coke Smith, Charles B. Meyer
Description: Flagstaff on drum pedestal with two bas-reliefs and two plaques
Materials: Flagstaff--steel, copper sheathing; Pedestal--granite; Bas-reliefs and plaques--bronze,
Dimensions: Flagstaff H: 40'; Pedestal H: 9'6' Diameter 36'
Cast: 1926
Dedicated: July 4, 1930
Donor: Tammany Society
Inscription: signed and dated: ANTHONY DE FRANCISCI / PERRY COKE SMITH / 1926 At top of granite drum: ""HOW LITTLE DO MY COUNTRYMEN KNOW WHAT PRECIOUS BLESSINGS THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF AND WHICH NO OTHER PEOPLE ON EARTH ENJOY" THOMAS JEFFERSON"

Please note, the NAME field includes a primary designation as well as alternate namingsoften in common or popular usage. The DEDICATED field refers to the most recent dedication, most often, butnot necessarily the original dedication date. If the monument did not have a formal dedication, the yearlisted reflects the date of installation.

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