The Obelisk

The Obelisk, aka Cleopatra’s Needle, is a historical curiosity – it is the oldest man-made object in Central Park, and the oldest outdoor monument in New York City. It is as old as it is big – measuring 69 feet high, 220 tons, and being at least 3,000 years old.

The Obelisk was erected in 1450 BCE to commemorate Pharaoh Thutmose III's third decade on the throne. After more than 1,500 years it was moved to Alexandria due to the war with the Persians, repaired and placed in front of Cleopatra’s Caesarium by Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus.

The Obelisk had a twin brother that shared the same fate, and was moved to London in 1878, where it still stands to this day. The other one was sold to the USA in the following year.
It was erected in Central Park in 1881, after a long and hard journey – moving it to New York required the building of a special railroad system, and it took 112 days for it to reach Central Park from the banks of the Hudson.
Once there, it was greeted by more than 10.000 people on a grand ceremony.