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.

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.

“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.