The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1921-03-02
CORNERSTONE LAID
IN 1S47 is LOST
s1,000.000 Washington Memorial
Abndoned After Hamilton
Square Ceremonies in New
York Years Ago.

What happened to the cornerstone
of the proposed $1,000,00O Washing
ton Monument, which was laid with
elaborate ceremonies in what was
formerly Hamilton square, in 1847?
Within the cornerstone, which was a
block of marble five feet square and
four feet deep, was lead box con-
tanning some private papers of Geo.
Washington, directory of the City
Of New York, survey of the grounds
coins and newspapers of the day.
1t also contained the constitution
and bylaws of the Washington Monu-
ment Association, which was: the
author of this ambitious scheme to
raise monument to the first Presi-
dent such as the world had never seen
before.
More than thirty thousand persons,
n almost one-tenth of the entire
population Of the city of New York,
assembled on and around the
grounds between Third and Fifth av-
enues, from Sixty-sixth to Sixty-sev-
enth street, to witness the ceremonies
The newspapers were agog with
enthusiasm for this monument, which
was to be higher than any other ever
reared, so high as to the first object
to greet the eye of the traveller en-
:ering New York harbor and the last
upon which his gaze would rest on
departure. It's structure was to have
been in the form of a tower, of which
the lower floors were to house a
library, portrait gallery, a trophy
room and an autograph room.
Perhaps no other similar under
taking has been accorded the same
unanimity of approval, and perhaps
few failed so dismally of achievement
The subject Of monument had been
n the public mind since 1888, when
the Washington Monument Associa-
ton, composed of public officials and
influential merchants, received char
ter from the New York Legislature to
solicit funds for the new undertaking.
Five hundred thousand dollars was
the amount at first believed sufficient
for the projected monument, but be-
fore the plans were finally agreed
upon it was realized that at least
$1,OOO,OO0 would be required. The
first dozen years brought scarcely
more money in subscriptions than
was needed for the administrative Of
flee of the association.
1t was then that an artisan by the,
name of Lyons threw his energy into
the undertaking. With fervent ora
tory he called upon 100000 to con-
tribute a dollar a year until the re-
quired amount had been reached. In
a short time $4,000 was subscribed,
and it was believed feasible to begin
work on the construction.
The required land had been donat-
ed by the city, and on Independence
Day, 1S47, a liberty pole was erected
on the spot. 1t was not until three
months later that the corner stone
was laid.
October 19, the anniversary day of
the surrender of CORVALLIS to Wash
ington, was reserved for that occasion
The Governor of New York State, the
Mayor of New York city and Federal
officials participated in the cere-
monies, which were initiated by
parade, starting at City Hall Park.
A large part of the militia of the
State, led by Gen. Henry Storms, par
ticipated in the parade. The line of
march was up Broadway to Union
Square, east to Third avenue, and
then north to Sixty-sixth street.
War Enthusiasm at Ceremonies
In addition to the day being one of
historical significance, the time was
one of patriotic rejoicing. The Mex
lean War was on, and news of the
American armies told of continual
victories, eliminating Sept. IA with
the capture of Mexico City by Gen.
Scott.
Impassioned oratory was the order
of the day. And then the heavy cor
nerstone with the lead box, was set
in place. On the stone was the fol-
lowing inscription: