Andrew Haswell Green Bench

This stone bench offers a tranquil spot for reflection in the open greenery of Fort Fish.

Dedicated to the “Father of New York City” in 1929, Andrew Haswell Green (1820–1903) was a lawyer, New York City planner, and civic leader. He was responsible for Central Park, the New York Public Library, the Bronx Zoo, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He also participated in or led projects including Riverside Drive, Morningside Park, Fort Washington Park, and the protection of the Hudson River Palisades from destruction. His last project was the consolidation of the "Imperial City" or City of Greater New York; he chaired the 1897 committee that drew up the plan of amalgamation. Perhaps an unfamiliar name to many who pass this spot, while Green famously conflicted on many counts with Park designers Olmsted and Vaux, his staunch support of their plan ultimately helped create the Central Park New Yorkers treasure today. The bench originally stood on the site of the Mount, and was moved in the 1980s to make room for the Conservancy’s compost operation. Today, five Maple trees representing the City’s five boroughs surround the bench, in memory of the man responsible for unifying them to create Greater New York.