The majestic, ostensibly unsinkable British liner, the Titanic, left the Southampton port on April 10, 1812, headed towards New York after riding the North Atlantic waves. But sadly, only five days after the voyage began, the Titanic hit a colossal iceberg before drowning in the ocean, taking 1518 onboard passengers along. Many high profile personalities were also among the unfortunate passengers who lost their lives, including New York socialites Ida and Isidor Straus and Mr. and Mrs. John Jacob Astor. The tragic incident sent shockwaves the world over, occasioning many memorials all over New York City.
History buffs and diehard Titanic fans love to visit the monumental landmarks to honor those who drowned with the ill-fated vessel.
While the structures commemorating the British liner do not necessarily replicate parts of the titanic, they hold symbolic significance, reminding visitors of the tragedy that struck over a century ago.
If you are now intrigued and wish to witness the cairns in person, here is a list of all the titanic memorials in New York.
The Titanic Memorial Park At The South Street Seaport
This memorial is a small park at the entrance of South Street Seaport. The chief structure honoring the tragedy, a 1914 lighthouse, lies in the middle of the memorial park. Although it is now the centerpiece of the park, it was initially erected on top of the seamen’s church institute at the south street. The robust lighthouse was moved to its current location in 1976 after the church was demolished.
Wireless Operators Memorial in Battery Park
Wireless operators memorial is a landmark that stands tall in Battery Park, honoring the wireless operators on the titanic, chief among them was Jack Philips, the operator on board.
The Straus Memorial
This particular memorial honors Isidor and Ida Straus, who was among the most prominent passengers on the titanic. Isidor Straus is credited for turning Macy’s into the world’s largest departmental store. His wife, Ida, was offered a seat on one of the lifeboats, but she declined the offer, choosing to stay back with her husband. The Straus memorial that glistens today at Broadway 106th street features a bronze statue of a reclining female figure, a granite bench, and delicate floral beds. The inscription next to the monument reads as
“Lovely and pleasant were they in their lives…And in their death, they were not divided.”
William T. Stead Memorial In Central Park
The fourth commemorative wonder on our list is the William T. stead memorial in the widely known central Park. It was constructed in 1920 to pay homage to the British journalist, William stead, who valiantly rescued many passengers on board before dying with the British vessel. Unapologetically glistening at the north of Engineers’ Gate at 91st Street and Fifth Avenue in Central Park, the William t stead memorial features the journalist’s statue abreast a knight and angel.
If you have ever been to New York but didn’t visit the remarkable architectural wonders, then you must plan another trip to the big apple to admire the titanic memorials.
