Benjamin Franklin Monument, Printing House Square -20th Century

The Benjamin Franklin Monument in Printing House Square was unveiled on January 17, 1872, the 166th anniversary of Franklin’s birth. Vintage photograph from mid 20th century (NYC Parks).

The sculpture was made by the German sculptor Ernst Plassman (1823–1877). It was a gift to the City by Albert de Groot (1813–1884), a retired Hudson Valley steamboat captain. The cornerstone of the monument was laid on October 26, 1871 with a ceremony of the Masonic Order. The statue was unveiled in a ceremony in which inventor Samuel Morse (1791–1872) removed the shroud and Horace Greeley (1811–1872), founder of The New York Tribune, delivered the keynote address.

Among other things, Franklin was a publisher and also excelled in matters of public affairs and government.