Serving as both a memorial and tomb for thousands of people who lost their lives in the American Revolutionary War, the Prison Ship Martyrs Memorial is a granite column that is the most notable aspect of Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, New York. By serving as both an active attraction as well as an actual crypt, the landmark celebrates a legacy that audiences of all eras can appreciate and experience.
Honoring the Soldiers, Sailors and Civilians Taken Prisoner
The Battle of Long Island, which is also known as the Battle of Brooklyn, was one of the more notable engagements of the American Revolutionary War. Taking place in 1776, it saw the Continental Army retreat to Manhattan, leaving behind soldiers, sailors and civilians who were subsequently taken prisoner by the British. Although the Continental Army lived to fight another day, those left behind we held in prison ships on the East River, where over 11,500 people would die in captivity as a result of the poor conditions on these ships.
Bones of dead prisoners were dumped overboard but would be collected by citizens and soldiers. These remains would eventually be interred in a crypt cut into a hill that had overlooked the prison ships in 1808. In 1873, some of these remains were moved and interred into a vault in Fort Greene Park. Decades of work to create a more fitting memorial culminated in 1908 with the dedication of a new entrance to the crypt along with a central Doric column that rose 149 feet in height. The column was topped with a decorative lantern along while four bronze eagles were placed onto corner granite posts.
While the Prison Ship Martyrs Memorial fell into disrepair over the decades, one hundred years after its original dedication, a full restoration of the landmark was revealed. Much of this history is showcased in the visitor’s center, which features displays about the prison martyrs as well as the site and park. Donations that support these continued efforts have made the piece that much more connected to the community while also serving as a valuable means of revenue.
The serene setting of Fort Greene Park has enabled it to become a hub of activity for the entire community but the Prison Ship Martyrs Memorial connects audiences with a larger legacy. Doing so has ensured it will continue to attract the interest and attention of residents and visitors in the present and future.
The Legacy of a Neighborhood and for a Nation
Referred to as a vibrant place that has been transformed by economic and cultural dynamics, Fort Greene Park is an important part of the Brooklyn community. This status has been powerfully enabled by the Prison Ship Martyrs Memorial, highlighting how monuments can facilitate connection across spaces and eras.
