Alter of Liberty

The Dewey Arch; Victory Arch

Description

Dedicated, 1899

This ornate and exceptionally lavish structure was built to commemorate a then-recent event — the victory of Admiral George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay, which took place on May 1, 1898.

Removed, 1900

Dedicated, Sept 27, 1918

Alter of Liberty Dedication President Wilson, his wife Edith, and his mother-in-law, Mrs. W. H. Bolling, lead the 4th NYC parade drive to sell liberty bonds. The ceremonies included the dedication of the Altar of Liberty in Madison Square. This arch was ornate and built in haste.

Removed, 1920

“The Altar of Liberty was renamed the “Altar of Extravagance,” the Victory Arch “Wasteful Arch,” and the Altar of Jewels — the “Arch of Folly.” It was ripped down in the summer of 1920.

Related People & Organizations

Thomas Woodrow Wilson,Dedicated the 1918 Victory Arch

Fiorello Henry La Guardia,This arch was vilified as an icon of wasteful spending by future mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.

Related Sites

Selling Liberty Bonds in New York City

Timeline

1899

1918

1918 - Dedicated

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1918 - Dedicated - Drawings and documents

1 Document,Show less

Victory Arch, Madison Square, New York City

1899 - Dedicated

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1899 - Dedicated - Images

2 Images,Show less

Honoring Admiral Dewey - the proposed triumphal arch and colonnade at Madison Square, New York City

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