Financial District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Sphere

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 5, 2008

1. The Sphere Marker

Inscription. For three decades, this sculpture stood in the plaza of the World Trade Center. Entitled “The Sphere,” it was conceived by artist Fritz Koenig as a symbol of world peace. It was damaged during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, but endures as an icon of hope and the indestructible spirit of this country. The Sphere was placed here on March 11, 2002 as a temporary memorial to all who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.

This eternal flame was ignited on September 11, 2002 in honor of all those who were lost. Their spirit and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: 9/11 Attacks. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1847.

Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 40° 42.247′ N, 74° 0.913′ W. Marker was in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It was in the Financial District. Marker could be reached from State Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in the center of Battery Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: New York NY 10004, United States of America.

We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Fort George (within shouting distance of this marker); Netherlands Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Netherlands Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); This Ancient Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Salvation Army (within shouting distance of this marker); John Ericsson (within shouting distance of this marker); John Ericsson Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Battery Park & Castle Clinton (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The Sphere has been moved to a new location; the Eternal Flame is no longer

Also see . . . September 11, 2001 – New York News & Features. An archive of articles related to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. (Submitted on November 25, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Marker in Battery Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 5, 2008

2. Marker in Battery Park

The Sphere is located just south of the site of Ground Zero. Damage from the collapse of the towers can be seen on the sculpture.

The Sphere and Eternal Flame image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 5, 2008

3. The Sphere and Eternal Flame

The eternal flame can be seen in this photo in front of the Sphere.

The Sphere site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 5, 2017

4. The Sphere site

The Sphere and the Eternal Flame were in the bare area to the left of the Korean War Memorial.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,012 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on December 6, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 25, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on January 19, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.