Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch

{{For|the Civil War triumphal arch in Connecticut|Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch}}

{{Infobox historic site

| name = Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch

| other_name = Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument

| image = Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch.jpg

| alt =

| caption = The arch as seen from the south end of Grand Army Plaza

| locmapin = USA New York City

| map_relief =

| map_width =

| map_caption = Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch location in Brooklyn

| coordinates = {{Coord|40.6730|-73.9699|region:US-NY_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}

| coord_ref =

| type = American Civil War memorial

| location = Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

| area =

| elevation = {{cvt|135|ft}}

| height = {{cvt|80|ft}}

| beginning_label = Dedicated

| beginning_date = {{Start date|1892|10|21}}

| built = {{Start date|1889}}–{{end date|1892}}

| built_for = City of Brooklyn

| restored = 1980; 2023–2024

| restored_by =

| architect = John H. Duncan

| sculptor = Frederick MacMonnies (sculptures), Philip Martiny (spandrels), Thomas Eakins and William Rudolf O'Donovan (bas-reliefs)

| architecture =

| visitors_num =

| visitors_year =

| visitors_ref =

| owner = City of New York

| website = {{URL|http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/grand-army-plaza/monuments/1463}}

| designation1 = New York City Landmark

| designation1_date = {{start date|1973|10|16}}

| designation1_number = 0821

}}

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is a triumphal arch at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, New York, United States. Designed by John Hemenway Duncan and built from 1889 to 1892, the arch commemorates American Civil War veterans. The monument is made of granite and measures {{convert|80|ft}} tall, with an archway opening measuring {{Convert|50|ft}} tall and {{convert|35|ft}} wide. The arch also includes spandrels by Philip Martiny, equestrian bas-reliefs by Thomas Eakins and William Rudolf O'Donovan, and three sculptural groups by Frederick MacMonnies. It is one of New York City's three major triumphal arches.

The lowest portion of the arch is made of darker granite from Quincy, Massachusetts, above which is lighter-colored granite. There are four pedestals, two each facing north and south; the northern pedestals are empty, while the southern pedestals contain sculptural groups by MacMonnies, depicting the United States Army and United States Navy. The bas-reliefs within the archway opening depict Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant on horseback, and the archway opening has a coffered ceiling. The spandrels above the arch contain representations of victory, as well as the seals of New York state and Brooklyn. On the roof is an observation deck and a quadriga, also designed by MacMonnies. Inside are stairways to the observation deck, as well as a room just beneath the roof.

After the Civil War, the then-independent city of Brooklyn planned a grand memorial to Union Army soldiers, though no major monument was built for two decades. The arch was proposed in 1888, and Duncan was selected as the arch's designer following an architectural design competition. The cornerstone of the arch was laid on October 30, 1889, and the arch was dedicated on October 21, 1892. Additional art was installed over the following decade. The arch was used for various events during the 20th century and was designated as a New York City landmark in 1973. The arch and its sculptures have been renovated several times over the years, including in 1980 and 2023–2024.

Description

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is at the southern end of Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, New York City, U.S., just north of the entrance to Prospect Park. Designed by John H. Duncan and completed in 1892,{{cite web |title=Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch : NYC Parks |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/B040/monuments/1463 |access-date=June 24, 2024 |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |archive-date=October 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024121235/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/B040/monuments/1463 |url-status=live }} the arch was built as an American Civil War memorial.{{Cite news |last=Colford |first=Paul |date=November 1, 1983 |title=A New Life for the Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-new-life-for-the-arch/150297771/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=112, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-life-for-the-arch/150297727/ 113] |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629170422/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-new-life-for-the-arch/150297771/ |url-status=live }} It is one of New York City's three major triumphal arches, along with the Washington Square Arch and the Manhattan Bridge Arch and Colonnade.{{Cite news |last=Pollak |first=Michael |date=August 13, 2006 |title=Show Must Go On, Sometime |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/nyregion/thecity/13fyi.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630000522/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/nyregion/thecity/13fyi.html |url-status=live }} As built, the arch was surrounded by granite posts connected by a bronze chain.{{cite magazine |year=1896 |title=Quadriga for Memorial Arch, Brooklyn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8Mc7AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA623 |access-date=June 30, 2024 |magazine=The Monumental News |publisher=R.J. Haight |page=623 |issue=v. 8 }}

Including abutments on either side of the archway opening, the arch measures {{convert|80|ft}} tall, with a footprint of {{Convert|80|by|50|ft}}. The interior of the arched opening is 50 feet tall and {{convert|35|ft}} wide.{{Cite news |last=Downing |first=John J. |date=July 19, 1933 |title=Many Works of Art to Be Found in Prospect Park Recent Survey Reveals |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-many-works-of-a/150356808/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=34 }} At the top of the arch, the abutments narrow in thickness from 50 feet to {{Convert|25|ft}}.{{efn|During the arch's construction, contemporary media sources wrote that the structure was {{Convert|71|ft}} tall, 80 feet wide, and {{Convert|45|ft}} long. In addition, the archway opening was cited as {{Convert|48.5|ft}} tall by {{Convert|37|ft}} wide, and the abutments were cited as {{Convert|26|ft}} wide.}} When the arch was completed, the top of the arch was around {{Convert|225|ft}} above sea level. Visitors originally could see as far as Long Island to the east, the Palisades to the north, the Atlantic Ocean and Atlantic Highlands to the south, and the Orange Mountains to the west.{{cite news |date=September 18, 1892 |title=The Triumphal Arch: Memorial to the Dead Soldiers and Sailors of the City Completion of Work Upon a Noble Structure—the Sum of $250,000 Expended |work=New-York Tribune |page=19 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573734028}} }}

= Design =

== Exterior ==

At the base of either of the arch's abutments is a {{Convert|3|ft|4=-high|adj=mid}} course of darker granite from Quincy, Massachusetts, above which is lighter-colored granite.{{Cite magazine |date=January 1, 1890 |title=The Brooklyn Memorial Arch |magazine=Stone |page=160 |volume=2 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|913063188}} }} There are four pedestals, two each facing north and south; these were intended to support groups of statues,{{cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/0821.pdf |title=Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. |date=October 16, 1973 |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |access-date=June 26, 2024 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223435/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/0821.pdf |url-status=live }} although only the southern pedestals have statuary. Each pedestal has engaged columns, topped by capitals in the Composite order. The capitals contain motifs such as ships' bows, eagles, and the fruits of the land and sea. Between each set of columns, there are medallions depicting the insignia of various Army and Navy corps. The exteriors of the arch's base contain the seals of various military companies and regiments based in Brooklyn.{{Cite news |date=October 9, 1892 |title=Our City Show |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-our-city-show/78219441/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=19 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627222815/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-our-city-show/78219441/ |url-status=live }} The archway opening's keystones reportedly weigh {{Convert|9|ST|LT t}} and depict the Great Seal of the United States.

File:'Lincoln and Grant', bronze sculptures by William Rudolf O'Donovan (men) & Thomas Eakins (horses), 1893-1894, Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, New York City.JPG

The underside of the arched opening has a coffered ceiling, and there are rosettes at the center of each coffer. The interior walls of the archway opening have equestrian bas-reliefs of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.{{Cite AIA4 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=t0gj61QSgk8C&pg=PA723 668] }} The reliefs bear the dates 1893–1894, even though they were installed in 1895. Thomas Eakins designed the horses for each relief, and William Rudolf O'Donovan designed the riders.{{Cite news |date=October 5, 1895 |title=Grant and Lincoln |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-grant-and-lincoln/80388906/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=7 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627222813/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-grant-and-lincoln/80388906/ |url-status=live }}{{efn|One source incorrectly attributes the bas-reliefs to Maurice J. Power.}} The Lincoln relief is the only artwork in a New York City park where Lincoln is depicted on horseback,{{Cite news |last=Pollak |first=Michael |date=April 4, 2004 |title=F.y.i. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/04/nyregion/fyi-051128.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630000522/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/04/nyregion/fyi-051128.html |url-status=live }} as well as one of two artworks of Lincoln on horseback that are known to exist.{{Cite news |last=Ruggiero |first=Nina |date=October 20, 2014 |title=Secrets of Prospect Park |work=AM New York |pages=14–15 |id={{ProQuest|1616156145}} }} Beneath each equestrian relief, there are doorways in the abutments, which lead to the staircases.

Philip Martiny designed the spandrels on the structure's north and south facades, at the upper corners of the archway opening.{{Cite news |date=June 11, 1892 |title=Fine Architectural Exhibit |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-fine-architectural/150068715/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=5 |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626000117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-fine-architectural/150068715/ |url-status=live }} Each spandrel reportedly weighs {{Convert|14|ST|LT t}}. The spandrels on the structure's north facade contain the seals of the state of New York and the then-independent city of Brooklyn,{{Efn|Brooklyn became part of the City of Greater New York in 1898.{{cite book |last=Wallace |first=Mike |title=Greater Gotham: A History of New York City from 1898 to 1919 |publisher=Oxford University Press |series=The History of NYC Series |year=2017 |isbn=978-0-19-972305-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AnUzDwAAQBAJ |page=12 |access-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223439/https://books.google.com/books?id=AnUzDwAAQBAJ |url-status=live }}}}{{cite news |date=July 20, 1890 |title=The Memorial Arch: Brooklyn's Tribute to the Dead |work=New-York Tribune |page=20 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573586275}} }} while the spandrels to the south depict female representations of victory. On the attic, along the arch's southern facade, is an inscription reading, "To the Defenders of the Union, 1861–1865"; this is the only inscription on the monument.{{Cite news |last=Wetherington |first=Roger |date=October 15, 1967 |title=Union Memorial at 75 Still Called Great Art |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-union-memorial-at-75-still-ca/150383484/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=328 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223439/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-union-memorial-at-75-still-ca/150383484/ |url-status=live }} The monument's attic includes panels with disks surrounded by wreaths. The names of battles were supposed to have been inscribed into the panels.{{Cite magazine |date=January 5, 1895 |title=Brooklyn's Memorial Arch. |magazine=Scientific American |page=11 |volume=LXXII |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|126739203}} }} The structure's parapet was to have globes with eagles resting above them, but the arch was instead built with a plain parapet.

==Interior==

The arch has two circular stairways, one inside each abutment.{{Cite magazine |date=January 4, 1890 |title=Brooklyn's Triumphal Arch. |magazine=Scientific American |page=5 |volume=LXII |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|96161401}} }} One staircase was originally used by visitors traveling to the roof, while the other was used by visitors descending to ground level. The stairs have been variously cited as containing 103,{{Cite news |date=May 10, 1998 |title=Playing in the Neighborhood: Prospect Park; A Monument With a View Is Opening Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/10/nyregion/playing-neighborhood-prospect-park-monument-with-view-opening-again.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629225327/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/10/nyregion/playing-neighborhood-prospect-park-monument-with-view-opening-again.html |url-status=live }} 107,{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=David |date=December 16, 1949 |title=It's No Cinch of a Job, Guarding Plaza Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-no-cinch-of-a-job-guard/150375632/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=832 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223440/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-no-cinch-of-a-job-guard/150375632/ |url-status=live }} 108,{{Cite news |last=Carmody |first=Deirdre |date=November 12, 1981 |title=Metropolitan Desk |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/12/nyregion/article-089666-no-title.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629170420/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/12/nyregion/article-089666-no-title.html |url-status=live }} or 116 steps.{{Cite news |date=February 13, 1981 |title=Two-Borough Tour to Climb Brooklyn Arch; Borough-Trotting Tour To Climb Brooklyn Arch |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/13/arts/two-borough-tour-climb-brooklyn-arch-borough-trotting-tour-climb-brooklyn-arch.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629013106/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/13/arts/two-borough-tour-climb-brooklyn-arch-borough-trotting-tour-climb-brooklyn-arch.html |url-status=live }} Each of the stairs is made of iron.{{cite web | last=Mazza | first=Dante | title=SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MEMORIAL ARCH | website=American Landmarks | date=April 12, 2021 | url=https://www.americanlandmarks.org/post/soldiers-and-sailors-memorial-arch | access-date=September 28, 2024}}{{cite web | last=Quinn | first=Anna | title=PHOTOS: Take A Tour Inside Brooklyn's Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch | website=Prospect Heights-Crown Heights, NY Patch | date=January 7, 2021 | url=https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/photos-take-tour-inside-brooklyns-soldiers-sailors-arch | access-date=September 28, 2024}} In addition, there is a room within the monument's attic, above the archway opening, for a war museum. The room was originally decorated with marble wainscoting and mosaic panels, and there were ceiling vaults with ornamentation honoring Civil War soldiers. Three glass domes illuminated the room. By the late 20th century, the room was an art exhibition space with little decoration.

== Sculptures ==

File:Civil War Memorial at Grand Army Plaza (2625888128).jpg

The sculptor Frederick MacMonnies was hired to design sculptures for the arch.{{cite news |date=June 29, 1897 |title=News of Brooklyn: Art Works Nearly Ready Macmonnies Busily Engaged on the Groups for the City |work=New-York Tribune |page=4 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574310778}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 11, 1896 |title=MacMonnies |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-macmonnies/150137524/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=2 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627002509/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-macmonnies/150137524/ |url-status=live }} On the top of the arch is a quadriga or four-horse chariot,{{cite news |date=November 20, 1898 |title=Sculpture for the Park: The Macmonnies Model of the Bronze for Brooklyn's Arch Finished—the Third-St. Entrance |work=New-York Tribune |page=S1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574530211}} }} atop which is a figure of Columbia, the female personification of the United States.{{Cite news |date=April 28, 1991 |title=Sunday Outing; Through a Grand Gateway, A Classic Urban Oasis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/28/news/sunday-outing-through-a-grand-gateway-a-classic-urban-oasis.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629180630/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/28/news/sunday-outing-through-a-grand-gateway-a-classic-urban-oasis.html |url-status=live }} The figure holds a sword in her left (non-dominant) hand, signifying peace, in addition to a flag topped by a wreath, signifying victory.{{Cite news |date=February 12, 1899 |title=New Groups by MacMonnies. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/02/12/archives/new-groups-by-macmonnies.html |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223440/https://www.nytimes.com/1899/02/12/archives/new-groups-by-macmonnies.html |url-status=live }} The quadriga is either {{convert|25|ft}} or {{Convert|35|ft}} tall and weighs {{Convert|25|ST|metric ton|sp=us}}.

At ground level, MacMonnies also designed two bronze sculptural groups on the arch's southern facade,{{cite news |last=Curtis |first=Patricia |date=May 2010 |title=Brooklyn's War |work=America's Civil War |pages=58–64 |volume=23 |issue=2 |id={{ProQuest|223363615}} }} which represent the United States Army and United States Navy. The Army grouping includes a young officer surrounded by other soldiers,{{Cite news|date=1899-03-25|title=Beautifying the Arch|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-beautifying-the-arc/156233550/|access-date=2024-09-29|work=The Brooklyn Citizen|pages=3}} in addition to a Valkyrie-like figure. The Army statues were based on the painting Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.{{cite news |last=Richterman |first=Anita |date=June 11, 1981 |title=Problem Line |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-problem-line/150298591/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B15 |id={{ProQuest|964372007}} |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629170425/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-problem-line/150298591/ |url-status=live }} The Navy grouping depicts a group of soldiers pointing at a distant object; the soldiers stand on a ship with a snapped mast, and there is a depiction of a nude goddess above them.{{Cite news|date=1899-07-23|title=Art Gossip|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-eagle-brooklyn-eagle-navy-gro/128230852/|access-date=2024-09-29|work=Brooklyn Eagle|pages=19}} The Navy grouping includes a depiction of a black soldier kneeling;{{cite web |last=Pontone |first=Maya |date=July 17, 2023 |title=Behind the $9 Million Restoration of Grand Army Plaza |url=https://hyperallergic.com/834009/behind-the-9-million-restoration-of-grand-army-plaza-brooklyn/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Hyperallergic |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627202711/https://hyperallergic.com/834009/behind-the-9-million-restoration-of-grand-army-plaza-brooklyn/ |url-status=live }} at the time of the arch's completion, comparatively few monuments depicted black men.{{Cite news |last=Kappstatter |first=Bob |date=April 15, 1982 |title=Arch Perspective on Army Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-perspective-on-army-plaz/150297163/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=136 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629170430/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-perspective-on-army-plaz/150297163/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Benepe |first=Adrian |date=May 29, 1989 |title=Silent Sentinels |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-silent-sentinels/150300799/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=39 |id={{ProQuest|278130230}} |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629180632/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-silent-sentinels/150300799/ |url-status=live }}

There have been claims that the soldiers in the sculptures were modeled on French people.{{Cite news |date=November 28, 1930 |title='Boys in Blue' on Arch Are French Soldiers |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boys-in-blue/150334987/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boys-in-blue/150335023/ 2] |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630015649/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boys-in-blue/150334987/ |url-status=live }} For example, the president of the Kings County Historical Society claimed in 1930 that the sculptures' uniforms were based on French soldiers' uniforms, while the caps are slightly different from those worn by Civil War veterans. MacMonnies refuted the claims, saying the figures were based upon Americans he saw in Paris. Specifically, the figures contain the faces of MacMonnies and his friends.{{cite news |last=Kleinfield |first=N.R. |date=October 24, 1974 |title=Civic Pride's Bosom Sags; General Fowler Lost His Left Hand: New York's Decrepit Statues Get Occasional Face-Lifts From Overworked Artisans . Decrepit Statues in New York City Are Repaired by Unsung Artisans |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133914396}} }} One of the wounded figures depicts MacMonnies's former mentor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens.{{Cite news |last=Liff |first=Bob |date=December 27, 1999 |title=Arch Bridges Centuries |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-bridges-centuries/150323572/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=437 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629225327/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-bridges-centuries/150323572/ |url-status=live }} The sculptures were intended to honor "common soldiers", in contrast to other war memorials, which honored military leaders.

= Temporary art =

The arch has been used for temporary art installations, including exhibits by local artists in the late 20th century.{{Cite news |last=Copage |first=Eric V. |date=September 18, 1983 |title=Art in Park Gets off to Flying Start |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-art-in-park-gets-off-to-flyin/150298943/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=450 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223440/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-art-in-park-gets-off-to-flyin/150298943/ |url-status=live }} During the 1980s, these included a multimedia exhibit,{{Cite news |last=Glueck |first=Grace |date=October 16, 1983 |title=In the Arts: Critics' Choices |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/16/arts/in-the-arts-critics-choices-232935.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629170420/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/16/arts/in-the-arts-critics-choices-232935.html |url-status=live }} an equestrian-themed exhibit,{{Cite news |last=Fleming |first=Robert |date=April 30, 1984 |title=Sun Makes Park Special |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sun-makes-park-special/150298540/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=77 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223441/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sun-makes-park-special/150298540/ |url-status=live }} a show with works themed to angels,{{Cite news |date=April 25, 1986 |title=High-Flying Sculpture At Grand Army Plaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/25/arts/high-flying-sculpture-at-grand-army-plaza.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629170419/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/25/arts/high-flying-sculpture-at-grand-army-plaza.html |url-status=live }} a show based on classical architecture,{{cite news |date=October 10, 1988 |title=Brooklyn Neighborhoods |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=25 |id={{ProQuest|278039708}} }} and an exhibit about monuments and home goods.{{Cite news |last=Kahn |first=Eve M. |date=May 30, 1991 |title=Behind the Faded Glory, A Home for Sculptures |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/30/garden/behind-the-faded-glory-a-home-for-sculptures.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629180631/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/30/garden/behind-the-faded-glory-a-home-for-sculptures.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Iverem |first=Esther |date=April 30, 1991 |title=Arch at Grand Army Plaza Hosts 'Homes' Exhibit |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-arch-at-grand-army-plaza-hosts/150301867/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=63 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223942/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-arch-at-grand-army-plaza-hosts/150301867/ |url-status=live }} There were also exhibits in the 1990s, including works about civil wars,{{cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Bill |date=May 17, 1994 |title=Spotlight |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B25 |id={{ProQuest|278789889}} }} Ghanaian folk art,{{cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Bill |date=May 30, 1995 |title=Spotlight |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B.11 |id={{ProQuest|278903697}} }} Nuyorican art,{{Cite news |last=Goldman |first=Michael |date=October 11, 1998 |title=Playing the Neighborhood |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/11/nyregion/playing-the-neighborhood.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527081253/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/11/nyregion/playing-the-neighborhood.html |url-status=live }} photos of Prospect Park, and a controversial multimedia piece depicting an assassination.{{Cite news |last=Charles |first=Nick |date=June 24, 1994 |title=Sliwa Stunt Boosts Controversial Art |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sliwa-stunt-boosts-controvers/150318045/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=1738 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629220106/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sliwa-stunt-boosts-controvers/150318045/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |last=Brozan |first=Nadine |date=June 21, 1994 |title=Chronicle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/21/style/chronicle-455547.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629220103/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/21/style/chronicle-455547.html |url-status=live }} Additionally, during the 2024 restoration of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch, a set of works by local contemporary artists was placed at the arch's base.{{cite web |date=June 5, 2024 |title='Park of Dreams' Celebrates Art and Restoration of Grand Army Plaza's Memorial Arch |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2024/06/05/park-of-dreams-celebrates-art-and-restoration-of-grand-army-plazas-memorial-arch/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Eagle |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627222938/https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2024/06/05/park-of-dreams-celebrates-art-and-restoration-of-grand-army-plazas-memorial-arch/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Brendlen |first=Kirstyn |date=February 16, 2024 |title=Artists Explore the 'Park of Dreams' in New Installation at Grand Army Plaza |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-of-dreams-grand-army-plaza/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper |postscript=none |archive-date=June 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619215736/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-of-dreams-grand-army-plaza/ |url-status=live}}; {{cite web |last=Ginsburg |first=Aaron |date=February 9, 2024 |title='Park of Dreams' brings vibrant public art to Grand Army Plaza's Arch during renovation |url=https://www.6sqft.com/park-of-dreams-public-art-grand-army-plaza-arch-in-brooklyn/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=6sqft |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225230647/https://www.6sqft.com/park-of-dreams-public-art-grand-army-plaza-arch-in-brooklyn/ |url-status=live }}

Development

= Planning =

After the American Civil War, the city of Brooklyn planned a grand memorial to Union Army soldiers. Although a statue of Lincoln on Grand Army Plaza and a memorial shaft on Battle Hill were erected in the late 1860s, no major monuments were built in Brooklyn for two decades. In May 1887, the New York State Legislature passed legislation authorizing the development of a major Civil War monument in Brooklyn,{{Cite magazine |date=February 1, 1890 |title=An Imposing and Appropriate Monument |magazine=The Manufacturer and Builder : A Practical Journal of Industrial Progress |page=25 |volume=22 |issue=2 |id={{ProQuest|88889113}} }} Initially, the monument's construction was to be overseen by Brooklyn's mayor and common council. Brooklyn's park commissioners agreed that June to develop the monument in City Hall Park (now Columbus Park).{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1887 |title=Wrangling Park Commissioners |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-wrangling-park-comm/54638679/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223943/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-wrangling-park-comm/54638679/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=June 8, 1887 |title=The Park Commission |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-the-park-commission/150385797/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=4 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223945/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-the-park-commission/150385797/ |url-status=live }} The legislature decided in 1888 to instead appoint a three-person commission to develop the monument. The commission consisted of Brooklyn's mayor, Brooklyn's aldermanic president, and the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Committee's chairman.

The state legislature allocated $100,000 for the monument,{{Cite news |date=September 7, 1888 |title=An Outline of the Monument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-an-outline-of-the-mon/150175814/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627181239/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-an-outline-of-the-mon/150175814/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=October 15, 1894 |title=Tribune's Arch Expose |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-tribunes-arch/150175144/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627175741/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-tribunes-arch/150175144/ |url-status=live }} of which half was to be made available during 1888 and half in 1889.{{Cite news |date=July 19, 1888 |title=Municipal |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-municipal/150189324/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627212130/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-municipal/150189324/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=July 18, 1888 |title=What Does This Delay Mean? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-what-does-this-delay/150189187/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627212135/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-what-does-this-delay/150189187/ |url-status=live }} The monument was planned as a shaft,{{Cite news |date=March 7, 1888 |title=A Memorial Arch Now |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-a-memorial-arch-now/150004820/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=3 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011543/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-a-memorial-arch-now/150004820/ |url-status=live }} and contracts were about to be awarded for the shaft when the plans were changed. By early 1888, a memorial arch was being proposed at Prospect Park Plaza (later Grand Army Plaza) instead. After mayor Alfred C. Chapin vetoed an initial design by Henry Baerer,{{Cite news |date=April 7, 1888 |title=Vetoed by the Mayor |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-vetoed-by-the-mayor/150005073/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223949/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-vetoed-by-the-mayor/150005073/ |url-status=live }} an architectural design competition for the monument was hosted for the arch.{{Cite news |date=October 19, 1888 |title=Is There a Job in It? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-is-there-a-job-in-it/75557817/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011516/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-is-there-a-job-in-it/75557817/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=October 18, 1888 |title=Designs for the Monument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-designs-for-the-monument/150005363/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011518/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-designs-for-the-monument/150005363/ |url-status=live }} By October 1888, thirty-six architectural firms had submitted designs. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Commission hired William R. Ware and Charles B. Atwood to review the designs.{{Cite news |date=August 2, 1889 |title=Red Seal |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-red-seal/150177513/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627192414/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-red-seal/150177513/ |url-status=live }} The state government added another $150,000 for the arch's construction in 1889.

John Hemenway Duncan, the designer of Grant's Tomb in Manhattan, was selected as the architect that August.{{cite news |date=August 7, 1889 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: "Red Seal's" Memorial Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573579252}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 7, 1889 |title=Duncan Talks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-duncan-talks/77380442/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011541/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-duncan-talks/77380442/ |url-status=live }} Duncan received $1,000 for his design, and the runner-up was to receive $500.{{Cite news |date=July 28, 1888 |title=Prizes for New Designs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-prizes-for-new-designs/62532949/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627212122/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-prizes-for-new-designs/62532949/ |url-status=live }} Duncan's design, known as "Red Seal",{{Cite news |date=August 16, 1889 |title=Duncan's Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-duncans-arch/150178386/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627190857/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-duncans-arch/150178386/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=August 7, 1889 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: "Red Seal's" Memorial Arch the Committee Advised to Reduce the Size So as to Have More Money for Sculpture Broke Down Before Its Work Began a Theatre Manager Assaulted a Suicide in Prospect Park Cathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573579252}} }} called for a structure with statuary at the top and pilasters supporting the attic. There were supposed to have been pedestals at the base of either of the arch's abutments, topped by bronze allegorical groups of statues. The arch was originally supposed to stand across an entrance into the park. However, Duncan objected to placing the arch on the park's perimeter, and Brooklyn city officials agreed instead to build the arch at the plaza's southern end, within a median, in September 1889.{{Cite news |date=September 18, 1889 |title=An Arch Site |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-an-arch-site/77381235/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011547/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-an-arch-site/77381235/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=September 18, 1889 |title=For the Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-for-the-arch/77381101/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-for-the-arch/77381101/ |url-status=live }} The arch was originally supposed to stand {{Convert|100|ft}} tall, but the Monument Commission recommended reducing the arch's height to reduce the amount of stone needed. Even with a reduced height, the arch was intended to be one of the world's largest triumphal arches.

= Construction =

File:Grand Army Plaza 1894.jpg

Several contractors were invited to submit bids for the arch in late 1889,{{Cite news |date=October 2, 1889 |title=Disposed Of |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-disposed-of/150178733/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627190905/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-disposed-of/150178733/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=October 2, 1889 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: To Begin Work on the Memorial Arch Gathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573494354}} }} and Cranford & Valentine were hired to excavate the foundations for $12,274.{{cite news |date=October 14, 1894 |title=Bad Work in Brooklyn: The Truth About the Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573969929}} }} Brooklyn's park commissioners also discussed relocating streetcar tracks in Prospect Park Plaza, as these tracks intersected near the site of the arch.{{Cite news |date=October 9, 1889 |title=Conference |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-conference/150179539/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223950/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-conference/150179539/ |url-status=live }} Duncan also contemplated raising the arch's foundation to make it more prominent, though he did not want to add "filigree ornamentation".{{Cite news |date=October 2, 1889 |title=Work on the Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-the-mem/150179804/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627190901/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-the-mem/150179804/ |url-status=live }} The cornerstone of the arch was laid on October 30, 1889, and Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman spoke at the ceremony.{{cite news |date=October 31, 1889 |title=The Cornerstone Laid: Dead Soldiers and Sailors Honored Ceremonies at Prospect Park, Brooklyn—General Sherman Handles the Silver Trowel |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573550957}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 30, 1889 |title=The Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-arch/78892054/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-arch/78892054/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=October 31, 1889 |title=In Memory of Her Heroes; Laying the Cornerstone of the Brooklyn Arch. Veterans and National Guardsmen in the Parade—the Reception Accorded to Gen. Sherman. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1889/10/31/archives/in-memory-of-her-heroes-laying-the-cornerstone-of-the-brooklyn-arch.html |access-date=June 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011516/https://www.nytimes.com/1889/10/31/archives/in-memory-of-her-heroes-laying-the-cornerstone-of-the-brooklyn-arch.html |url-status=live }} The foundation of the eastern abutment was constructed first because the site of the western abutment was occupied by streetcar tracks. By the end of 1889, plans were being drawn up for the upper portion of the arch.{{Cite news |date=December 13, 1889 |title=Work on the Memorial Arch Resumed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-work-on-the-memorial-ar/150180310/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=3 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627190924/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-work-on-the-memorial-ar/150180310/ |url-status=live }} Duncan revised his plans for the arch in February 1890 so the abutments would be more sturdy.{{Cite news |date=February 14, 1890 |title=The Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-the-memorial-arch/78154474/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627190917/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-the-memorial-arch/78154474/ |url-status=live }}

Work was delayed due to the need to relocate the streetcar tracks. In addition, while constructing the foundation, workers discovered a layer of muck beneath the site of the arch, a remnant of a former pond. The Memorial Arch Commission solicited bids for the arch's stonework in March 1890 and received five bids, of which three were reviewed. Bernard Gallagher submitted the lowest of these three bids, at $174,592, and received the contract.{{cite news |date=March 6, 1890 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: Opening Bids for the Memorial Arch Many People Wanted Counterfeit Money a Low Price for a Fine House Indicted Officials Plead Not Guilty Gathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573538635}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 5, 1890 |title=Gallagher Gets the Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-gallagher-gets/78743907/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223950/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-gallagher-gets/78743907/ |url-status=live }} Gallagher was originally required to complete the arch within a year, but the Arch Commission extended the deadline to September 1891 shortly afterward. John W. Fowler received a $16,995 contract in May 1890 to relocate the streetcar tracks so the rest of the arch could be constructed.{{Cite news |date=May 8, 1890 |title=A Costly Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-costly-job/78133187/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011534/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-costly-job/78133187/ |url-status=live }} Four existing streetcar tracks in the plaza were rerouted,{{Cite news |date=May 8, 1890 |title=A Costly Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-costly-job/78133187/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625011534/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-a-costly-job/78133187/ |url-status=live }} and the new tracks were completed in July.{{Cite news |date=July 3, 1890 |title=The New Park Plaza Tracks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-new-park-plaza-tr/78934412/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627192413/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-new-park-plaza-tr/78934412/ |url-status=live }} By that September, a temporary construction fence had been erected around the site of the arch, and the contractors had erected derricks to install the arch's granite pieces.{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1890 |title=Facts From Flatbush |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-facts-from-flatbush/150181668/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=4 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627190903/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-facts-from-flatbush/150181668/ |url-status=live }} Brooklyn's park commission wanted to allow advertisements on the fence, but this was controversial,{{Cite news |date=September 16, 1890 |title=Post No Bills |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-post-no-bills/150182023/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627190854/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-post-no-bills/150182023/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=September 17, 1890 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: To Keep Advertisements Off the Fence |work=New-York Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573567355}} }} and the commission ultimately decided against the advertisements.

Thomas Eakins and William Rudolf O'Donovan were hired {{circa|1891}} to sculpt bas-reliefs of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. The Union Granite Company also received contracts for bronze and granite bollards around the arch, as well as carvings on the arch's spandrels. Some of the arch's stones became severely discolored shortly after they were installed, prompting allegations that iron was being used in place of granite.{{Cite news |date=April 30, 1891 |title=James Howell |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-james-howell/150182901/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627202709/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-james-howell/150182901/ |url-status=live }} State legislators also tried to allocate another $100,000 for the acquisition of statuary,{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1891 |title=The Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-memorial-arch/78165624/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627202714/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-memorial-arch/78165624/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1891 |title=The Soldiers' Monument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-soldiers-m/150176471/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627175742/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-soldiers-m/150176471/ |url-status=live }} but the effort was unsuccessful. That July, Duncan submitted designs for the arch's spandrels to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch Commission. The arch was supposed to have been completed in late 1891,{{Cite news |date=July 16, 1891 |title=By October 1St |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-by-october-1st/78166076/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627202711/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-by-october-1st/78166076/ |url-status=live }} but work was delayed because of a strike at the granite supplier's quarry.{{cite news |date=December 20, 1891 |title=Prospect Park Improvements: The New Breeze Hill Bridge—Work on the Soldiers Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=24 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573644641}} }} The Arch Commission voted in July 1892 to install incandescent light bulbs on the southern facade and to delay the installation of all the arch's sculptures.{{Cite news |date=July 11, 1892 |title=More Work on It |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-more-work-on-it/150191838/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630224456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-more-work-on-it/150191838/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=July 11, 1892 |title=Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-memorial-arch/78703402/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=4 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627222811/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-memorial-arch/78703402/ |url-status=live }} The monument ultimately cost $250,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=250000|start_year=1892|r=-3|fmt=eq}}).{{Cite news |date=October 11, 1892 |title=Brooklyn's Memorial Arch; To Be Unveiled on Oct. 21 – a Committee of One Hundred. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/11/archives/brooklyns-memorial-arch-to-be-unveiled-on-oct-21-a-committee-of-one.html |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630224457/https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/11/archives/brooklyns-memorial-arch-to-be-unveiled-on-oct-21-a-committee-of-one.html |url-status=live }}

Completion and modifications

The arch was dedicated on October 21, 1892, with a ceremony led by U.S. President Grover Cleveland.{{Cite news |date=October 22, 1892 |title=The Memorial Arch Dedicated.; Much Patriotic Enthusiasm In- Spired by the Exercises. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/22/archives/the-memorial-arch-dedicated-much-patriotic-enthusiasm-in-spired-by.html |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626000108/https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/22/archives/the-memorial-arch-dedicated-much-patriotic-enthusiasm-in-spired-by.html |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=October 21, 1892 |title=We Honor the Name |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-we-honor-the-na/150068805/ |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626000112/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-we-honor-the-na/150068805/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=October 22, 1892 |title=Brooklyn's Great Parade |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-brooklyns-great-parade/150068841/ |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Sun |pages=3 |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626000108/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-brooklyns-great-parade/150068841/ |url-status=live }} The ceremony coincided with a citywide celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's expedition to the Americas.{{Cite news |date=October 11, 1892 |title=Brooklyn's Memorial Arch: To Be Unveiled on Oct. 21 – a Committee of One Hundred. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/11/archives/brooklyns-memorial-arch-to-be-unveiled-on-oct-21-a-committee-of-one.html |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630224457/https://www.nytimes.com/1892/10/11/archives/brooklyns-memorial-arch-to-be-unveiled-on-oct-21-a-committee-of-one.html |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=September 29, 1892 |title=To Celebrate |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-to-celebrate/150191710/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627212134/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-to-celebrate/150191710/ |url-status=live }} When the arch was completed, the area around its base was devoid of plantings and ornamentation. There were proposals to plant grass plots and flower beds in the plaza, as well as add statuary to the arch, after the monument was completed.{{cite news |date=February 12, 1893 |title=A New Granite Gateway: Another Adornment for Prospect Park |work=New-York Tribune |page=21 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573807783}} }} After the arch's dedication, the lights on the arch were not reactivated until January 1894.{{cite news |date=January 15, 1894 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn |work=New-York Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573893798}} }} The New-York Tribune also alleged that the arch's construction had been mismanaged and that several construction contracts had been grossly overpriced, such as the contract for the electric lights.

= Installation of bas-reliefs and sculptures =

File:Brooklyn_Grand_Army_Plaza_Lincoln.JPG and William Rudolf O'Donovan designed for the arch.]]

Brooklyn Park Commissioner Frank Squire engaged Frederick MacMonnies to design a quadriga, or chariot with four horses, above the arch in October 1894.{{cite news |date=October 19, 1894 |title=Affairs in Brooklyn: A Bronze Quadriga for the Arch Gathered About the Town |work=New-York Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|573969665}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 18, 1894 |title=Art at the Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-art-at-the-park/80652638/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627222808/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-art-at-the-park/80652638/ |url-status=live }} MacMonnies was also hired to design two other sculptural groups next to the arch's base.{{Cite news |date=February 12, 1899 |title=New Groups by MacMonnies. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/02/12/archives/new-groups-by-macmonnies.html |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630223440/https://www.nytimes.com/1899/02/12/archives/new-groups-by-macmonnies.html |url-status=live }} Eakins's and Donovan's bas-reliefs of Grand and Lincoln were installed during late 1895.{{cite news |date=September 22, 1895 |title=Completing the Soldiers' Arch: It Is Expected That the Macmonnies Quadriga Will Be in Place Before the End of the Year |work=New-York Tribune |page=14 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574085989}} }}{{Cite news |date=December 19, 1895 |title=Arch Bas Reliefs in Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-arch-bas-relief/150198984/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627235622/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-arch-bas-relief/150198984/ |url-status=live }} The bas-reliefs were controversial, and critics regarded them as being of poor quality.{{cite news |date=January 5, 1896 |title=Art Works Criticized: The New Bronze Panels in the Brooklyn Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-art-works-criticized-t/150200849/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=New-York Tribune |page=16 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574133690}} |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627235629/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-art-works-criticized-t/150200849/ |url-status=live }} Brooklyn park commissioner Timothy L. Woodruff initially refused to pay $7,500 of the bas-reliefs' $17,500 cost,{{Cite news |date=February 19, 1896 |title=Grant and Lincoln |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-grant-and-lincoln/80654309/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627235632/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-grant-and-lincoln/80654309/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=February 20, 1896 |title=No Art in It, Says Woodruff |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-no-art-in-it-says-woodruff/150199537/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Sun |pages=7 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627235625/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-no-art-in-it-says-woodruff/150199537/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=February 21, 1896 |title=M. J. Power is Sanguine |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-m-j-power-is-sangui/150199592/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |pages=5 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627235630/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-m-j-power-is-sangui/150199592/ |url-status=live }} but he had agreed to provide the funds in July 1896.{{cite news |date=July 15, 1896 |title=The City Owns the Panels: Final Payment of $7,500 For the Reliefs on the Arch |work=New-York Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574207181}} }} Additionally, as part of a renovation of Prospect Park Plaza, new lamps were installed, and several laurels and evergreens were planted around the monument to draw attention away from its bare walls. The bollards at the arch's base were moved, and workers installed a heavy bronze chain through the bollards.{{Cite news |date=May 16, 1896 |title=Prospect Park Improvements |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-prospect-park-improvements/150199120/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=18 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627235639/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-prospect-park-improvements/150199120/ |url-status=live }} A pavement was also laid around the base of the arch.{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1896 |title=Prospect Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-prospect-park/150137345/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=5 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627002508/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-prospect-park/150137345/ |url-status=live }}

Meanwhile, MacMonnies designed the arch's sculptures at his studio in Paris's Latin Quarter;{{cite news |date=July 28, 1895 |title=American Sculpture: Work Which MacMonnies Is Doing for Brooklyn—Glimpses of a Working Studio |work=New-York Tribune |page=23 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574062058}} }} he was still sketching out the Army and Navy sculptures by mid-1896.{{cite news |date=August 23, 1896 |title=Work on the Bronzes: Present Stage of Mr. MacMonnies's Park Plaza Contracts the Quadriga for the Arch Well Advanced—first Sketches Made for the Army and Navy Groups—what the Sculptor Says in a Letter to Expark Commissioner Squire |work=New-York Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574210237}} }} By June 1897, the design of the quadriga was finished.{{cite news |date=June 29, 1897 |title=News of Brooklyn: Art Works Nearly Ready Macmonnies Busily Engaged on the Groups for the City the Quadriga for the Plaza Arch to Be Cast Soon—other Statues Being Completed in His Paris Studio |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-art-works-nearly-ready/150204181/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=New-York Tribune |page=4 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574310778}} |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628005946/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-art-works-nearly-ready/150204181/ |url-status=live }} MacMonnies used a different cast for each of the figures, such that none of the figures were identical.{{Cite news |date=January 16, 1897 |title=The Brooklyn Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-brooklyn-quadriga/150204099/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=2 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628005935/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-brooklyn-quadriga/150204099/ |url-status=live }} The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) preferred that the sculptures be completed by Memorial Day in 1898, as they wanted to invite MacMonnies to see the dedication of his own work.{{cite news |date=November 14, 1897 |title=Memorial Arch Statuary: Grand Army Men Wish to Unveil It on Memorial Day If Macmonnies Can Finish It in Time They Will Have an Extensive, Celebration and Invite the Sculptor to Be a Guest of Honor Be a Guest of Honor |work=New-York Tribune |page=A5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574370049}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 15, 1897 |title=MacMonnies' Masterpieces |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-macmonnies-masterpie/80852797/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=3 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627235624/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-macmonnies-masterpie/80852797/ |url-status=live }} The quadriga was shipped to the United States in August 1898.{{Cite news |date=August 15, 1898 |title=Arrival of Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-arrival-of-quadriga/150172305/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=8 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627190925/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-arrival-of-quadriga/150172305/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=August 15, 1898 |title=For Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-for-memorial-arch/150172262/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=2 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627171346/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-for-memorial-arch/150172262/ |url-status=live }} Although the arch was strong enough to carry the quadriga,{{Cite news |date=May 11, 1898 |title=Bronze Pieces for the Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bronze-pieces-for-the/150206006/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=8 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630224457/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bronze-pieces-for-the/150206006/ |url-status=live }} a granite foundation for it had to be built on the arch's roof.{{cite news |date=November 6, 1898 |title=Brooklyn's Quadriga: It Is Being Placed on the Memorial Arch the Latest Work of Frederick Macmonnies to Stand at the Entrance to Prospect Park |work=New-York Tribune |page=C10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574534546}} }}{{Cite news |date=October 28, 1898 |title=Work on the Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-the-qua/150205550/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=16 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628005944/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-the-qua/150205550/ |url-status=live }} The quadriga's installation was delayed because workers had to wait for MacMonnies's foreman to come to the U.S.,{{Cite news |date=October 29, 1898 |title=Paris Letter |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-life-paris-letter/150205360/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=Brooklyn Life |pages=14 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630224458/https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-life-paris-letter/150205360/ |url-status=live }} but the sculpture was in place by the end of 1898.{{Cite news |date=December 4, 1898 |title=Quadriga in Its Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-quadriga-in-its/80973475/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=31 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628005933/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-quadriga-in-its/80973475/ |url-status=live }} MacMonnies had completed the cast of the Army statues by that November,{{cite news |date=November 20, 1898 |title=Sculpture for the Park: The Macmonnies Model of the Bronze for Brooklyn's Arch Finished—the Third-St. Entrance |work=New-York Tribune |page=S1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574530211}} }} while the models for the Navy statues were finished by 1899.{{Cite news |date=July 23, 1899 |title=Art Gossip |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-art-gossip/150206232/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=19 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630224500/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-art-gossip/150206232/ |url-status=live }}

The Army sculptures were completed by March 1900{{Cite news |date=March 27, 1900 |title=More MacMonnies Groups |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-more-macmonnies/150232249/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628161011/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-more-macmonnies/150232249/ |url-status=live }} and shipped to the U.S. that July.{{Cite news |date=September 23, 1900 |title=MacMonnies Group Soon to Be in Place |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-macmonnies-grou/150232500/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628161007/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-macmonnies-grou/150232500/ |url-status=live }} MacMonnies initially refused to install the sculptures himself.{{Cite news |date=August 2, 1900 |title=Sculpture Group Not Placed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-sculpture-group/150231954/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628161117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-sculpture-group/150231954/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=August 2, 1900 |title=Trouble Over the Statue |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-trouble-over-the-stat/150231936/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=6 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630224500/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-trouble-over-the-stat/150231936/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=August 2, 1900 |title=Wrangle Over MacMonnies' Groups |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-wrangle-over-macmonnies-gro/150232652/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=8 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628161303/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-wrangle-over-macmonnies-gro/150232652/ |url-status=live }} He ultimately relented after being notified that he would not be paid unless the sculptures were installed.{{Cite news |date=August 2, 1900 |title=Macmonnies Group Arrives |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-macmonnies-group-arri/150232103/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The New York Times |pages=12 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628161047/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-macmonnies-group-arri/150232103/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=August 3, 1900 |title=Will Erect the Group |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-will-erect-the-group/150232159/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=2 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628161005/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-will-erect-the-group/150232159/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=September 23, 1900 |title=Macmonnies in Trouble: Difficulties Encountered in Placing the Army Group |work=New-York Tribune |page=A11 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|570844659}} }} Additionally, the sculptures' black iron frames had to be replaced with galvanized iron before they were installed, and one of the Army sculptures' heads had to be replaced due to a lack of space.{{Cite news |date=September 24, 1900 |title=Bronze Group for Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bronze-group-for-plaz/150232764/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=10 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628161132/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-bronze-group-for-plaz/150232764/ |url-status=live }} The Army sculptures were in place by November 1900.{{Cite magazine |date=November 1, 1900 |title=Art Notes |magazine=The Art Interchange |page=114 |volume=45 |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|128281849}} }} The Navy sculptures were damaged while being shipped to the U.S.{{Cite news |date=February 26, 1901 |title=Navy Group for Arch Removed for Repairs—marines |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-navy-group-for-arch/81118441/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=1 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628161045/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-navy-group-for-arch/81118441/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=February 28, 1901 |title=MacMonnies' Group Accident |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-macmonnies-group-accident/150235860/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=6 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628173237/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-macmonnies-group-accident/150235860/ |url-status=live }} They were repaired at the Barnard studio in Manhattan,{{Cite news |date=April 5, 1901 |title=MacMonnies Group Repaired |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-macmonnies-grou/150240622/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628192428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-macmonnies-grou/150240622/ |url-status=live }} then transported across the Brooklyn Bridge for installation.{{Cite news |date=April 9, 1901 |title=Statuary for Plaza Arch Held Up at the Bridge |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-statuary-for-pl/150237653/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628173232/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-statuary-for-pl/150237653/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=April 10, 1901 |title=Crowds Gaze at MacMonnies Group |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-crowds-gaze-at-macmonni/150237677/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=5 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628173232/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-crowds-gaze-at-macmonni/150237677/ |url-status=live }} The sculptures were dedicated on April 13, 1901.{{Cite news |date=April 13, 1901 |title=Navy Group in Place; Arch Is Now Complete |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-navy-group-in-p/150237491/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=2 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628173240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-navy-group-in-p/150237491/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=April 14, 1901 |title=The Arch in Prospect Park Complete |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-arch-in-prospect-pa/150237769/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=20 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628191455/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-arch-in-prospect-pa/150237769/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=April 14, 1901 |title=Navy Group in Position |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-navy-group-in-positio/150237547/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The New York Times |pages=5 |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725072002/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-navy-group-in-positio/150237547/ |url-status=live }} The Army and Navy sculptures cost $50,000 or $60,000 in total. The eagles atop the arch, also designed by MacMonnies, were installed in late 1901.{{Cite news |date=October 27, 1901 |title=Eagles for the Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-eagles-for-the/150240448/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=14 |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725072022/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-eagles-for-the/150240448/ |url-status=live }}

= 20th century =

As early as the 1900s, the adjacent plaza was unofficially known as Grand Army Plaza because of the presence of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch.{{Cite news |last=Pollak |first=Michael |date=May 8, 2011 |title=Answers to Questions About New York |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/nyregion/answers-to-questions-about-new-york.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630000522/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/nyregion/answers-to-questions-about-new-york.html |url-status=live }} In the arch's early years, it was visible from much of Brooklyn, as it was located atop one of the highest points in the borough.{{Cite news |date=September 20, 1913 |title=Eastern Parkway, City's Finest Drive |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-eastern-parkway-citys-fine/150248039/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=17 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628201514/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-eastern-parkway-citys-fine/150248039/ |url-status=live }} It was frequently lit for events during the early 20th century. The arch was the setting for annual events, such as the parades of the Boys Brigade{{Cite news |date=May 22, 1914 |title=Boys Brigades to Parade |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boys-brigades-t/150265573/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=18 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629010937/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boys-brigades-t/150265573/ |url-status=live }} and Brooklyn's annual Memorial Day parades.See, for example: {{Cite news |date=May 31, 1927 |title=10,000 March in Brooklyn; 250 G.A.R. Veterans Ride in Autos in Parade of Four Miles. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/31/archives/10000-march-in-brooklyn-250-gar-veterans-ride-in-autos-in-parade-of.html |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629010943/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/31/archives/10000-march-in-brooklyn-250-gar-veterans-ride-in-autos-in-parade-of.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=May 25, 1945 |title=Boro, Queens Prepare Tributes to War Dead |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boro-queens-pr/150375178/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=12 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boro-queens-pr/150375178/ |url-status=live }} Ceremonies at the arch also commemorated major events, such as when the Spanish–American War, World War I, and World War II ended.{{Cite news |last=Davila |first=Albert |date=October 24, 1980 |title=Victory Set to Ascend Plaza Throne |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-victory-set-to-ascend-plaza-t/150297377/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=366 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629170438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-victory-set-to-ascend-plaza-t/150297377/ |url-status=live }} Other events included a ceremony in 1926 when Prospect Park Plaza was formally renamed Grand Army Plaza,{{cite news |date=May 10, 1926 |title=4 Boys' of 61 Dedicate Prospect Park Plaza: G. A. R. Also Marks Sixtieth Anniversary With Exercises |work=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |page=19 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1112781132}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 10, 1926 |title=Plaza in Brooklyn Dedicated to G.A.R.; Entrance to Prospect Park Is Renamed as Veterans Keep Sixtieth Anniversary |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/05/10/archives/plaza-in-brooklyn-dedicated-to-gar-entrance-to-prospect-park-is.html |access-date=June 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722213536/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/05/10/archives/plaza-in-brooklyn-dedicated-to-gar-entrance-to-prospect-park-is.html |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=May 10, 1926 |title=Grand Army Plaza Formally Named as 5,000 Watch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-grand-army-plaza-formally-na/149974630/ |access-date=June 24, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=11 |archive-date=June 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624174422/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-grand-army-plaza-formally-na/149974630/ |url-status=live }} as well as another ceremony in 1955 when the Brooklyn Dodgers won the World Series. In addition, starting in 1920, a Christmas tree was erected near the arch every year.{{cite news |last=Weichselbaum |first=Simone |date=December 23, 2011 |title=No Green for Tree? Grand Army's Christmas Fir Gone This Yr. |work=New York Daily News |page=35 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|912457080}} }}

The room in the monument's attic remained empty for several years after its completion, and the war museum within the arch's attic was never opened to the public. According to Augie Inzerra, who was the arch's caretaker in the 1940s, the idea of using the arch as a museum was scrapped after someone was injured while ascending the stairs. Instead, the American Legion veterans' organization used the attic as meeting and storage space until the late 20th century.{{Cite news |last=Weissenstein |first=Michael |date=June 11, 2005 |title=Visitors Having Enormous Fun at N.Y. Puppet Library |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-visitors-having-enormou/150362739/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Journal News |pages=30 |agency=The Associated Press |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630165641/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-visitors-having-enormou/150362739/ |url-status=live }} The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) used the ground story of one abutment as a tool shed, while the other abutment's ground story contained pumps for the adjacent Bailey Fountain.

== Early and mid-20th century ==

Brooklyn park commissioner James J. Browne requested $6,000 in 1929 to repair the arch, saying one of the quadriga's horses had come loose.{{cite news |date=April 19, 1929 |title=Horse on Soldier's Monument Needs Curb to Keep It Quiet |work=New York Daily News |page=548 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|2261178525}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 18, 1929 |title=Horses on Arch May Fall |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-horses-on-arch-may-fall/150334817/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=3 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-horses-on-arch-may-fall/150334817/ |url-status=live }} NYC Parks solicited bids for the arch's renovation in June 1930,{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1930 |title=Repair Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/home-talk-the-item-repair-memorial-arch/150335656/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=Home Talk the Item |pages=13 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225025/https://www.newspapers.com/article/home-talk-the-item-repair-memorial-arch/150335656/ |url-status=live }} and workers began repairing the arch's stonework later that year.{{Cite news |date=November 14, 1930 |title=Horses Loose on Soldiers' Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-horses-loose-on/150335298/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225026/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-horses-loose-on/150335298/ |url-status=live }} With the construction of the Bailey Fountain, in 1931, workers installed a pump for the fountain underneath the monument.{{Cite news |date=December 1, 1931 |title=Bailey Fountain Gets Neptune and His Boat |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-bailey-fountain/150392852/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1 |via=newspapers.com |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725071920/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-bailey-fountain/150392852/ |url-status=live }} NYC Parks announced in 1935 that it would clean the arch again when funds were allocated. The project would include cleaning the granite and the Army and Navy sculptural groups, as well as repairs to the brick pavement, bas-reliefs, and electroliers.{{Cite news |last=Schnipelsky |first=A.I. |date=August 18, 1935 |title=Memorial Arch Due to Be Cleaned Soon |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-memorial-arch-d/150335906/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=7 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225027/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-memorial-arch-d/150335906/ |url-status=live }} City officials said in 1937 that there would be no funding for the arch's restoration for at least a year,{{Cite news |date=May 21, 1937 |title=Spring Cleaning for Arch a Year Away |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-spring-cleaning-for-arch-a-ye/150372777/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=484 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225028/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-spring-cleaning-for-arch-a-ye/150372777/ |url-status=live }} but, by 1938, no renovations were being planned for the arch itself.{{Cite news |date=August 19, 1938 |title=WPA to Beautify Island on Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-wpa-to-beautify/150365128/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=9 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225029/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-wpa-to-beautify/150365128/ |url-status=live }} The arch was not illuminated during World War II due to wartime blackout regulations. In 1941, Brooklyn borough president John Cashmore suggested illuminating the monument at night,{{Cite news |date=May 22, 1941 |title=Plan to Illuminate Arch at Grand Army Plaza |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-to-illumin/150334508/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225533/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-to-illumin/150334508/ |url-status=live }} although the Board of Estimate voted to defer the installation of the lights until after the end of the war, citing a lack of funds.{{Cite news |date=January 30, 1942 |title=Prospect Park Arch Blackout Will Continue Until War Ends |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-prospect-park-a/150374253/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=7 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225535/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-prospect-park-a/150374253/ |url-status=live }} The lights were installed in November 1945 after the Board of Estimate allocated $3,500 to pay for new floodlights.{{Cite news |date=November 5, 1945 |title=Floodlights Illuminate Boro Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-floodlights-ill/150373829/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=3 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225536/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-floodlights-ill/150373829/ |url-status=live }}

A piece of copper flashing near the arch's roof was knocked loose following a storm in 1952,{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1952 |title=Plan Repair Work on Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-repair-wor/150377539/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=8 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-repair-wor/150377539/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=June 1, 1952 |title=Statues on Monument Begin to Show Years |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-statues-on-monument-begin-to/150377352/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=540 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225540/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-statues-on-monument-begin-to/150377352/ |url-status=live }} prompting NYC Parks officials to plan emergency repairs.{{Cite news |last=Noonan |first=Dan |date=April 15, 1953 |title=Rush Memorial Arch Emergency Repairs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rush-memorial-a/150377230/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=4 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225538/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rush-memorial-a/150377230/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=April 10, 1953 |title=Age Ravaging Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-age-ravaging-memorial-arch/150376628/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=47 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630225546/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-age-ravaging-memorial-arch/150376628/ |url-status=live }} The flashing was removed pending permanent repairs.{{Cite news |date=May 8, 1953 |title=Repair Grand Army Plaza Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-repair-grand-army-plaza-arch/150379809/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=628 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230045/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-repair-grand-army-plaza-arch/150379809/ |url-status=live }} NYC Parks engineers found that the original quadriga had a design flaw; the bronze sculptures were mounted directly to a steel support frame, which had begun to flake over time due to water damage.{{cite news |last=Ross |first=Don |date=March 20, 1954 |title=Seek Funds to Repair City Statues |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1323105345}} }} Engineers initially estimated that the repairs would cost $30,000, though this was later reduced to $16,000.{{Cite news |last=Noonan |first=Dan |date=January 14, 1954 |title=16-G Request on Tap to Bolster Boro Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-16-g-request-on/150378601/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=14 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230045/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-16-g-request-on/150378601/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=January 22, 1954 |title=Arch Statuary Safe If— |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-statuary-safe-if/150377677/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=71 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230046/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-statuary-safe-if/150377677/ |url-status=live }} NYC Parks requested funds for the renovation in early 1954, and the quadriga's steel frame was renovated during the mid-1950s.{{Cite news |date=August 30, 1964 |title=Lollypops and Love Hardest on Stone Art |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lollypops-and-love-hardest-on/150380096/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=575 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230600/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lollypops-and-love-hardest-on/150380096/ |url-status=live }} Due to funding shortages, the floodlights were turned off before the 1960s.{{Cite news |date=May 7, 1962 |title=Stark, Morris Support Plaza Floodlighting |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-stark-morris-support-plaza-f/150380010/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=60 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230600/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-stark-morris-support-plaza-f/150380010/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=May 11, 1962 |title=To Glow Again? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/greenpoint-weekly-star-to-glow-again/150380468/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=Greenpoint Weekly Star |pages=10 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/greenpoint-weekly-star-to-glow-again/150380468/ |url-status=live }}

Following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, there were proposals to suspend an eternal flame from the arch in 1963;{{Cite news |date=December 13, 1963 |title=Light Honoring JFK Proposed for Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-light-honoring-jfk-proposed-f/150381636/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=643 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230605/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-light-honoring-jfk-proposed-f/150381636/ |url-status=live }} the flame was ultimately placed next to the arch instead.{{Cite news |date=November 20, 1964 |title=Brooklyn Memorial to JFK Announced by Abe Stark |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/coney-island-times-brooklyn-memorial-to/150381829/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=Coney Island Times |pages=2 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230605/https://www.newspapers.com/article/coney-island-times-brooklyn-memorial-to/150381829/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=September 17, 1964 |title=A Memory Rekindled |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-memory-rekindled/150381100/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=108 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-memory-rekindled/150381100/ |url-status=live }} Additionally, in the early 1960s, Brooklyn borough president Abe Stark and NYC Parks commissioner Newbold Morris proposed adding stronger floodlights to the arch.{{Cite news |date=August 9, 1963 |title=Grand Army Plaza to Get Improvement |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-williamsburg-news-grand-army-plaza-t/150380152/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The Williamsburg News |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-williamsburg-news-grand-army-plaza-t/150380242/ 6] |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-williamsburg-news-grand-army-plaza-t/150380152/ |url-status=live }} This was part of Stark and Morris's proposal for a wider-ranging renovation of Grand Army Plaza. The city's Department of Water Supply, Gas, and Electricity approved the floodlighting proposal in early 1965.{{Cite news |date=February 5, 1965 |title=Grand Army Plaza to Be Floodlighted |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/coney-island-times-grand-army-plaza-to-b/150382865/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=Coney Island Times |pages=2 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/coney-island-times-grand-army-plaza-to-b/150382865/ |url-status=live }} Mayor John Lindsay and NYC Parks commissioner August Heckscher provided $150,000 for a renovation of the arch in 1967.

== Late-20th-century renovations ==

File:The Brooklyn Quadriga.jpg

By the 1970s, vandals frequently spray-painted graffiti on the arch and its sculptures.{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=David |date=September 8, 1974 |title=Brooklyn: A Home of Monuments and Graffiti |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/08/archives/brooklyn-a-home-of-monuments-and-graffiti-marble-poses-problem.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230607/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/08/archives/brooklyn-a-home-of-monuments-and-graffiti-marble-poses-problem.html |url-status=live }} NYC Parks allocated around $147,000 in 1971 to clean the arch and install new pavement around it.{{Cite news |date=August 8, 1971 |title=Brooklyn Arch Is Getting a Face-Lifting |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/08/08/archives/brooklyn-arch-is-getting-a-facelifting.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629010937/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/08/08/archives/brooklyn-arch-is-getting-a-facelifting.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=O'Flaherty |first=Mary |date=June 20, 1971 |title=The Postmen Are Going to the Dogs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-doggy-days-for-postmen/150296007/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-postmen-are-going-to-the/150296064/ 104], 106 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629161819/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-doggy-days-for-postmen/150296007/ |url-status=live }} In addition, NYC Parks planned to add new doors, gates, chains; replace the arch's bronze decorations; and reinstall damaged lampposts. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) hosted hearings in September 1973 to determine whether the arch should be designated as a city landmark,{{Cite news |date=September 23, 1973 |title=Hearing Due on Monument as Landmark |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-hearing-due-on-monument-as-la/150295512/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=98 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629161809/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-hearing-due-on-monument-as-la/150295512/ |url-status=live }} and the LPC granted the landmark designation in October 1973.{{Cite news |date=October 21, 1973 |title=Metropolitan Briefs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/21/archives/metropolitan-briefs-judge-wright-scores-judiciary-from-the-police.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630230613/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/21/archives/metropolitan-briefs-judge-wright-scores-judiciary-from-the-police.html |url-status=live }} The Board of Estimate approved the designation that December.{{cite news |last=Toscano |first=John |date=December 7, 1973 |title=Board Approves 775G More for Interboro Safety |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-board-approves-775g-more-for/150295727/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |page=60 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|2301964159}} |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629161816/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-board-approves-775g-more-for/150295727/ |url-status=live }}

The central figure of the arch's quadriga came loose during a windstorm in October 1976;{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Robert |date=October 10, 1976 |title=Mother Nature Lashes Our Area |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mother-nature-lashes-our-area/150295557/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=195, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mother-nature-lashes-our-area/150295631/ 341] |postscript=none |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629161807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mother-nature-lashes-our-area/150295557/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=October 11, 1976 |title=Some L.I. and Westchester Homes Still Without Power After Storm |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/11/archives/some-li-and-westchester-homes-still-without-power-after-storm.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629010938/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/11/archives/some-li-and-westchester-homes-still-without-power-after-storm.html |url-status=live }} according to Prospect Park's administrator Mariella Bisson, the figure was dangling by one screw. City parks commissioner Martin Lang estimated that the arch needed $200,000 worth of repairs,{{Cite news |last=Medina |first=David |date=October 10, 1976 |title=B'klyn Statue Topples |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bklyn-statue-topples/150295183/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=3 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629161831/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bklyn-statue-topples/150295183/ |url-status=live }} and members of the public requested that the figure be restored.{{Cite news |last=Oelsner |first=Lesley |date=December 23, 1977 |title=Monumental Ills Plaguing Long-Standing Citizens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/23/archives/monumental-ills-plaguing-longstanding-citizens-some-monumental.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629010938/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/23/archives/monumental-ills-plaguing-longstanding-citizens-some-monumental.html |url-status=live }} Work was delayed four years due to the New York City fiscal crisis. City officials presented plans for a complete restoration of the arch to the LPC in March 1979,{{cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Owen |date=March 2, 1979 |title=Total Restoration Likely for the Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-total-restoration-likely-for/150295683/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |page=368 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|2303528859}} |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629161825/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-total-restoration-likely-for/150295683/ |url-status=live }} and a $432,000 restoration contract was awarded to Thomason Industries Corporation that November.{{Cite news |last=Davila |first=Albert |date=November 2, 1979 |title=Victory Returns Atop Arch Next Year |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-victory-returns-atop-arch-nex/150295057/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=470 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629161813/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-victory-returns-atop-arch-nex/150295057/ |url-status=live }} The restoration included cleaning the statues, adding waterproofing and wire mesh, applying a preservative to protect against pigeon droppings, and restoring the interior stair. The arch's restoration was part of a wider-ranging renovation of Prospect Park.{{Cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Owen |date=January 4, 1980 |title=Grand Army Day: Start Arch Repair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-grand-army-day-start-arch-re/150298229/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=319 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629170421/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-grand-army-day-start-arch-re/150298229/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |last=Quindlen |first=Anna |date=January 4, 1980 |title=For Prospect Park, $10 Million to Recapture What It Was; Bright Hope on Sunny Day |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/01/04/archives/for-prospect-park-10-million-to-recapture-what-it-was-bright-hope.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629013112/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/01/04/archives/for-prospect-park-10-million-to-recapture-what-it-was-bright-hope.html |url-status=live }} The quadriga's central figure was reinstalled in October 1980, and the restoration was completed the same month, several weeks ahead of schedule.{{Cite news |date=October 25, 1980 |title=Victory Resumes Place Atop Brooklyn Arch |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/25/archives/victory-resumes-place-atop-brooklyn-arch.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629013105/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/25/archives/victory-resumes-place-atop-brooklyn-arch.html |url-status=live }} The arch was seldom vandalized after its renovation was completed.

The roof deck reopened in 1981,{{Cite news |last=Copage |first=Eric V. |date=October 25, 1981 |title=Get an Arch-Top View of Boro |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-get-an-arch-top-view-of-boro/150298399/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=285 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630231110/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-get-an-arch-top-view-of-boro/150298399/ |url-status=live }} and the arch's interior was also opened to the public for the first time that year. The public was initially allowed to access the arch's interior and deck on selected Sunday afternoons,{{Cite news |last1=Bird |first1=David |last2=Carroll |first2=Maurice |date=October 17, 1983 |title=New York Day by Day |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/17/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-236401.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629013103/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/17/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-236401.html |url-status=live }} and 25,000 people had visited within two years of its reopening. The arch lacked a climate-control system, so the deck operated only during autumn and spring.{{Cite news |last=Stevenson |first=William |date=October 29, 1989 |title=Still Time to Visit Brooklyn's 'Arc De Triomphe' |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-still-time-to-visit-brooklyn/150300927/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=426 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629180644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-still-time-to-visit-brooklyn/150300927/ |url-status=live }} The arch and its deck also began hosting artwork by local artists. The state government provided a $160,000 grant in 1989 to fund the restoration of drainage and structural support systems.{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=April 2, 1989 |title=11 Sites Awarded Restoration Grants |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/02/nyregion/11-sites-awarded-restoration-grants.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815012228/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/02/nyregion/11-sites-awarded-restoration-grants.html |url-status=live }} Until the early 1990s, the arch hosted two art exhibitions a year; the western abutment was used as storage space, while the eastern abutment and attic were used for exhibits. Comparatively few people knew about the rooftop deck as well.{{Cite news |last=Yarrow |first=Andrew L. |date=September 9, 1990 |title=Above It All |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/09/travel/above-it-all.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629180630/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/09/travel/above-it-all.html |url-status=live }}

The arch was closed in late 1991 for a roof repair that was supposed to take two years.{{Cite news |date=September 13, 1991 |title=Its Arch-Enemy Is Disrepair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-arch-enemy-is-disrepair/150302114/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=51 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629180643/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-arch-enemy-is-disrepair/150302114/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Iverem |first=Esther |date=October 29, 1991 |title=Spotlight |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-spotlight/150302164/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=65 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629180631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-spotlight/150302164/ |url-status=live }} By then, the attic frequently suffered water damage due to the leaky roof, restricting certain types of art from being displayed in the arch; in addition, the attic had to be repainted annually due to water infiltration. The roof restoration was expected to cost $375,000. The next year, NYC Parks began preparing $380,000 worth of repairs to the statuary.{{cite magazine |last=Feiden |first=Douglas |date=March 16, 1992 |title=Dinkins Rushes Capital Funds to Create Jobs |magazine=Crain's New York Business |page=1 |volume=8 |issue=11 |id={{ProQuest|219119967}} }} The arch reopened in May 1994, and artists again began hosting exhibits in the arch's attic. The Prospect Park Alliance and Urban Park Rangers also hosted tours of the arch and its roof. Another restoration of the arch began in July 1999 after Brooklyn borough president Howard Golden and the David Schwartz Foundation provided a combined $240,000 for the project.{{Cite news |last=Farrell |first=Bill |date=July 2, 1999 |title=Arch Getting Rehab |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-getting-rehab/150323157/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=1089 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630231110/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-arch-getting-rehab/150323157/ |url-status=live }} Workers cleaned MacMonnies's sculptures, although not the bas-reliefs inside the archway opening; the restoration was completed by the end of the year. The New York City Department of Transportation also painted a walkway onto the road, leading from the arch to the park's entrance.{{cite news |last=Liff |first=Bob |date=March 22, 1998 |title=New Signs in Line for Grand Army Plaza |work=New York Daily News |page=1 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305623568}} }}

= 21st century =

File:Brooklyn, NYC (2020) - 30.jpg

The rooftop observation deck was closed in the 2000s because the deck had severely degraded.{{cite web |last=Mixson |first=Colin |date=August 28, 2018 |title=Forward, Arch! Grand Army Plaza's Historic Structure Will Welcome Visitors Following Repairs |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/forward-arch-grand-army-plazas-historic-structure-will-welcome-visitors-following-repairs/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023220132/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/forward-arch-grand-army-plazas-historic-structure-will-welcome-visitors-following-repairs/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Gleason |first=Will |date=August 27, 2018 |title=The Long-Closed Observation Deck at Grand Army Plaza Is Set to Reopen to the Public |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-long-closed-observation-deck-at-grand-army-plaza-is-set-to-reopen-to-the-public-082718 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Time Out New York |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629025504/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-long-closed-observation-deck-at-grand-army-plaza-is-set-to-reopen-to-the-public-082718 |url-status=live }} The New York Puppet Library agreed to lease the room in the arch's attic from the Prospect Park Alliance in 2003, on the condition that the puppet group host three annual puppet shows in Prospect Park. Music and theatrical performances also took place underneath and within the arch.{{Cite magazine |last=Hill |first=Logan |date=December 18, 2006 |title=The Heights Report |magazine=New York |pages=86–89 |volume=39 |issue=45 |id={{ProQuest|205166867}} }} The sculptures were cleaned yet again in 2009;{{cite web |last=Yee |first=Marilynn K. |date=August 11, 2009 |title=Sight/Site |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9C06EEDC103DF931A2575BC0A96F9C8B63.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630231117/https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9C06EEDC103DF931A2575BC0A96F9C8B63.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Witt |first=Stephen |date=August 19, 2009 |title=$1.1 Million Facelift for Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/1-1-million-facelift-for-soldiers-and-sailors-memorial-arch/ |access-date=June 29, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630000523/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/1-1-million-facelift-for-soldiers-and-sailors-memorial-arch/ |url-status=live }} the project cost $1.1 million and was funded by borough president Marty Markowitz and City Council member Letitia James. By then, the roof was leaking and was seldom open to the public. The Puppet Library relocated to the Brooklyn College campus in 2010 due to the leaky roof.{{cite news |last=Osterhout |first=Jacob |date=October 8, 2010 |title=New York's Puppet Master |work=New York Daily News |page=12 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|740987990}} }} During the 2010s, the interior was closed except for special events.{{Cite news |last=Pereira |first=Ivan |date=December 2, 2016 |title=City Pushes Parks to Open Forgotten Areas to the Public |work=AM New York |id={{ProQuest|1845221789}} }} By then, the roof deck had partially collapsed, and invasive species were growing from the deck.{{Cite news |last=Gill |first=John Freeman |date=November 20, 2020 |title=In Brooklyn, Grand Army Plaza Gets an Intervention |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/20/realestate/streetscapes-grand-army-plaza-brooklyn.html |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030071837/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/20/realestate/streetscapes-grand-army-plaza-brooklyn.html |url-status=live }}

The New York City government gave the Prospect Park Alliance $8.9 million in August 2018 for a full restoration of the plaza, including restoration of the arch.{{cite web |last=Gannon |first=Devin |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn to Undergo a $9M Restoration |url=https://www.6sqft.com/grand-army-plaza-in-brooklyn-to-undergo-a-9m-restoration/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=6sqft |postscript=none |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627202714/https://www.6sqft.com/grand-army-plaza-in-brooklyn-to-undergo-a-9m-restoration/ |url-status=live}}; {{cite web |last=Chung |first=Jen |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Grand Army Plaza Is Getting An $8.9 Million Restoration |url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/grand-army-plaza-is-getting-an-89-million-restoration |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Gothamist |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630231112/https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/grand-army-plaza-is-getting-an-89-million-restoration |url-status=live }} At the time, the city planned to reopen the arch's observation deck once the renovation was complete. After debris fell from the arch in late 2018, the underside of the arch was fenced off.{{cite web |last=Mixson |first=Colin |date=February 25, 2019 |title=Curve Fall: Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch Cordoned off Through 2021 After Debris Drops from It |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/curve-fall-soldiers-and-sailors-arch-cordoned-off-through-2021-after-debris-drops-from-it/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129153726/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/curve-fall-soldiers-and-sailors-arch-cordoned-off-through-2021-after-debris-drops-from-it/ |url-status=live }} Designs for the project were announced in November 2020.{{cite web |last=Chung |first=Jen |date=November 21, 2020 |title=A Look At Grand Army Plaza's $8.9 Million Restoration Design |url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/look-grand-army-plazas-89-million-restoration-design |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Gothamist |postscript=none |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717212147/https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/look-grand-army-plazas-89-million-restoration-design |url-status=live}}; {{Cite web |last=Verde |first=Ben |title=City reveals designs for Grand Army Plaza restoration |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/grand-army-plaza-arch-construction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122120842/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/grand-army-plaza-arch-construction/ |archive-date=November 22, 2020 |access-date=November 22, 2020 |website=Brooklyn Paper |date=November 20, 2020 |language=en-US }} Western Waterproofing Co. was awarded a contract to restore the arch in March 2023,{{cite web |last=Senzamici |first=Peter |date=March 3, 2023 |title=City Awards $ Contract For Grand Army Plaza Arch Restoration |url=https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/city-awards-contract-grand-army-plaza-arch-restoration |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Prospect Heights-Crown Heights, NY Patch |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717212146/https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/city-awards-contract-grand-army-plaza-arch-restoration |url-status=live }} and work began that May.{{cite web |last=Camille |first=Jada |date=May 4, 2023 |title=Under Construction: Prospect Park Alliance Lead Restoration Project of Grand Army Plaza Arch |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-alliance-lead-restoration-project-of-grand-army-plaza-arch/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Paper |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628065423/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-alliance-lead-restoration-project-of-grand-army-plaza-arch/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Rahhal |first=Emily |date=May 3, 2023 |title=Grand Army Plaza Arch Slated For $8.9 Million Restoration |url=https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/grand-army-plaza-arch-slated-8-9-billion-restoration |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Prospect Heights-Crown Heights, NY Patch |postscript=none |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627202710/https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/grand-army-plaza-arch-slated-8-9-billion-restoration |url-status=live}}; {{cite web |last=Magazine |first=Brooklyn |date=May 4, 2023 |title=Grand Army Plaza Arch is getting a $8.9 million makeover |url=https://www.bkmag.com/2023/05/04/grand-army-plazas-arch-is-getting-a-8-9-million-makeover/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Magazine |archive-date=February 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228152710/https://www.bkmag.com/2023/05/04/grand-army-plazas-arch-is-getting-a-8-9-million-makeover/ |url-status=live }} The project included restoration of the facade, stairways, lights, and roof. The arch was closed during this work.

Impact

= Reception =

== Contemporary ==

In 1889, a writer for the magazine Harper's Weekly likened Duncan's design to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and to triumphal arches in Rome, although the arch was to be shallower and have a lower attic compared to the older arches. Stone magazine wrote that the arch was unique among American memorials, which tended to be statues, columns, or shafts, and that the structure was impressive because of its size and large proportions. Scientific American regarded the arch as "one of the most conspicuous and beautiful" war monuments. The Manufacturer and Builder magazine described the arch as "noble in conception, imposing in magnitude, harmonious in proportion, and appropriate and effective in ornamentation".

After the arch was dedicated, the Brooklyn Citizen wrote that the arch was "a noble specimen of monumental architecture, and does infinite credit to its talented designer, Mr. John H. Duncan".{{Cite news |date=October 21, 1892 |title=The Memorial Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-the-memorial-arch/150192451/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |pages=2 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630231113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-the-memorial-arch/150192451/ |url-status=live }} A reporter for Scientific American wrote that they hoped the arch's completion would cause "the tasteless granite column" to fall out of fashion. Conversely, the New-York Tribune described the arch as poorly placed,{{cite news |date=January 6, 1895 |title=Prospect Park Plaza Improvements: What Will Follow the Removal of Lincoln's Statue the Fountain to Be Remodelled |work=New-York Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574007294}} }} and the Municipal Art Commission thought the arch faced the wrong way.{{Cite news |date=December 17, 1910 |title=Art Commission Thinks These Are Not Well Placed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-art-commission-thinks-these/150259586/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=15 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630231114/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-art-commission-thinks-these/150259586/ |url-status=live }} The Brooklyn Times-Union described the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch as superior to Manhattan's Washington Square Arch and, in 1913, described the arch as the "Arc de Triomphe of America".

After Eakins's and Donovan's bas-reliefs were installed, the Tribune quoted critics who described the relief as "obtrusive" and "humiliating". In a guidebook about Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Richard Berenson and Neil deMause wrote that Lincoln looked like he was "begging for pennies" with his hat.{{cite book |last1=Berenson |first1=Richard J. |last2=DeMause |first2=Neil |year=2001 |title=The Complete Illustrated Guidebook to Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden |url=https://archive.org/details/completeillustra0000bere |url-access=registration |publisher=Silver Lining Books |isbn=978-0-7607-2213-8 |page=36}} The American Institute of Architects' Brooklyn chapter declared the reliefs to be "disreputable examples of the arts of sculpture and design".{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1897 |title=Local Architects Protest |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-local-architect/150201928/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=16 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627235625/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-local-architect/150201928/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=January 19, 1897 |title=Arch Bronzes |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-arch-bronzes/150201915/ |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=The Standard Union |pages=7 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627235634/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-arch-bronzes/150201915/ |url-status=live }} When the quadriga was installed in 1898, The New York Times wrote that the sculptures attracted "much attention by reason of its artistic beauty", while the Brooklyn Daily Eagle said the quadriga had a "proud, heroic, strong" effect.{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1897 |title=The Macmonnies Quadriga |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-macmonnies/150203779/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=6 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628005946/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-the-macmonnies/150203779/ |url-status=live }} The Brooklyn Daily Eagle critic wrote that the quadriga added an artistic touch to the arch, whereas the bas-reliefs were present purely for political purposes. Brooklyn Life said the MacMonnies statues "are fine pieces of sculpture that will bear study at quite close range".{{Cite news |date=April 20, 1901 |title=The Completed Arch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-life-the-completed-arch/150237862/ |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=Brooklyn Life |pages=11 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628173241/https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-life-the-completed-arch/150237862/ |url-status=live }}

== Retrospective ==

The architectural critic Henry Hope Reed Jr. wrote in 1963 that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch was the "outstanding triumphal arch in the country" in part because of its sculptural decoration.{{cite news |last=Reed |first=Henry Hope Jr. |date=July 1, 1962 |title=Flatbush's Arch of Triumph: Brooklyn, Not Washington, Boasts America's Finest Triumphal Arch |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=F2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326266162}} }} A New York Times writer said in 1973 that the Grant and Lincoln reliefs evoked European equestrian statues but that they still had "downhome simplicity about them".{{cite news |last=Shirey |first=David |date=December 12, 1971 |title=Brooklyn's Hidden Art Treasures |work=The New York Times |page=A10 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|119100543}} }} Paul Goldberger, writing for the same newspaper in 1984, said that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch was the greatest classical grouping in New York City" despite the disconnected architecture of the surrounding neighborhood.{{Cite news |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=1984-11-04 |title=Utopia in the Outer Boroughs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/04/magazine/utopia-in-the-outer-boroughs.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606191757/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/04/magazine/utopia-in-the-outer-boroughs.html |url-status=live }} A writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer said the arch's placement was as "majestic as the Arc de Triomphe",{{Cite news |last=Falon |first=Janet Ruth |date=20 Nov 1983 |title=Brooklyn: Tarry a While After You Cross That Bridge |work=Philadelphia Inquirer |page=T.1 |id={{ProQuest|1822248705}} }} and NYC Parks commissioner Adrian Benepe regarded the arch as likely "the city's most impressive work of art".

Jesse Goldstein of The Village Voice said in 2002 that, because of the arch's presence, Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza was superior to the similarly named plaza in Manhattan.{{Cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Jesse |date=May 7, 2002 |title=Close-Up On Prospect Heights |work=The Village Voice |page=161 |id={{ProQuest|232215284}} }} Similarly, a writer for The American Enterprise regarded the arch as the best example of a triumphal arch in the United States.{{Cite magazine |last=Leigh |first=Catesby |date=July–August 2002 |title=An American Parthenon? Our Own Pantheon? |magazine=The American Enterprise |pages=21–24 |volume=13 |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|225399685}} }} In 2011, a writer for American Civil War magazine wrote that the arch's design was "perhaps second only to the Arc de Triomphe", even though the Brooklyn arch was hard for pedestrians to access.

= Design influence =

The arch's design inspired that of the gateway to the LIU Brooklyn campus in Downtown Brooklyn.{{Cite news |last1=Carmody |first1=Deirdre |last2=Dunlap |first2=David W. |date=June 5, 1985 |title=New York Day by Day; Gateway to Brooklyn |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/05/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-gateway-to-brooklyn.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002001006/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/05/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-gateway-to-brooklyn.html |url-status=live }} In addition, mosaics and plaques with angel motifs were installed in the New York City Subway's nearby Grand Army Plaza station in 1996. The motifs, part of an artwork known as Wings for the IRT: The Irresistible Romance of Travel, were inspired by the decorations on the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch.{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Daniel B. |date=April 6, 1997 |title=F.y.i. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/06/nyregion/fyi-452939.html |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629225326/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/06/nyregion/fyi-452939.html |url-status=live }} Depictions of the arch are also engraved onto bronze medallions at the Park Union, a nearby apartment building.{{Cite news |last=Gregor |first=Alison |date=January 25, 2013 |title=Even a Developer Can Love a Landmark |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/realestate/a-landmark-request-from-brooklyn-developer.html |access-date=June 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103103/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/realestate/a-landmark-request-from-brooklyn-developer.html |url-status=live }}