This bronze piece by acclaimed sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward (1830-1910) depicts one of the Pilgrims that landed at Massachusetts's Plymouth Rock in November 1620. The monument was commissioned by the New England Society for the organization's 75th anniversary.
The monumental figure is leaning on his musket, and his hat, boots, and belt buckle evoke the dress of the period. Architect Richard Morris Hunt (1828-1895) designed the rusticated granite pedestal, which features four bas-reliefs depicting various significant aspects of the Pilgrims' landing, including the Mayflower ship and an image of a bible and sword. The piece was dedicated in 1885 in Central Park at the north side of the East 72nd Street throughway. The slope below the monument, known as Pilgrim Hill, has long been a favorite locale for sledding during the winter. In 1979, the Central Park Conservancy chose this piece as one of the first to be restored in Central Park's comprehensive program to restore its collection of statuary. The powder flasks were recast and replaced in 1999.
