Cleopatra’s Needle, an iconic monument located in Central Park, has stood for over 130 years, making it New York’s oldest outdoor monument. This remarkable obelisk has its origins in ancient Egypt, dating back 3,500 years. Erected in Heliopolis to commemorate the 30-year reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III, it rises to a height of 69 feet and weighs approximately 200 tons.
After being toppled and buried, the obelisk was subsequently relocated to Alexandria by Caesar Augustus, where it acquired its nickname. In 1879, the monument was presented as a gift to the United States, marking the beginning of an extraordinary engineering endeavor. The process of transporting the obelisk to New York took 19 days, culminating in its official installation in Central Park on January 22, 1881. Today, it continues to stand as a testament to both historical and engineering significance.