Firemen’s Memorial 🇺🇸

When you visit Manhattan’s Riverside Drive at 100th Street, you will encounter the Firemen's Memorial, a poignant 1913 monument dedicated to New York firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Situated alongside the scenic, English-style Riverside Park, this Knoxville marble structure offers a quiet space for reflection on the dangerous history of city firefighting. Designed by architect Harold Van Buren Magonigle with sculptures by Attilio Piccirilli, the site features a grand western staircase leading to a balustraded plaza.

You can admire a dramatic bas-relief scene showing a horse-drawn fire engine rushing to a call, situated above a fountain. Flanking the central monument are striking sculpture groups representing "Duty" and "Sacrifice." The northern sculptures depict a woman cradling a firefighter's limp body, while the southern group portrays a grieving widow holding her child. On the plaza, look for a 1927 bronze tablet dedicated to the horses that pulled early fire engines.

Originally proposed after the 1908 drowning death of Deputy Fire Chief Charles W. Kruger, this memorial remains a deeply meaningful stop, hosting solemn annual ceremonies every autumn and each September 11 to honor fallen heroes.

What to see at Firemen's Memorial

• Knoxville marble monument designed by Harold Van Buren Magonigle
• Sculptures representing "Duty" and "Sacrifice" by Attilio Piccirilli
• Detailed bas-relief depicting a horse-drawn engine rushing to a fire
• Grand western staircase leading to a balustraded plaza and fountain
• 1927 ASPCA bronze tablet dedicated to fire department horses

Visiting tips

Be sure to inspect the plaza floor beneath the monument to view the 1927 bronze tablet placed in memory of the horses that pulled early fire engines.

How long: 30-45 minutes · Best time: Autumn

How to get there & what’s nearby

Firemen's Memorial is easy to reach on New York metropolitan area’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Riverside Park and Master Apartments. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our New York metropolitan area travel guide.