Central Park West Historic District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Bethesda Fountain and Terrace

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2012

1. Bethesda Fountain and Terrace Marker

Inscription. Designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, these stairways, terrace and fountain were the focal feature of the original plan for Central Park by Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. The fountain sculpture by Emma Stebbins, inspired by the biblical account of the miraculous pool of Bethesda, was installed in 1873

Erected by New York Community Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Notable Places • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 40° 46.434′ N, 73° 58.252′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in the Central Park West Historic District. Marker can be reached from The Mall. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain is located at the end of The Mall on the edge of The Lake in New York Central Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10024, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Restoration of Bethesda Arcade’s Minton Tile Ceiling: (a few steps from this marker); S. Rankin Drew (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); City Employees War Memorial (about 400 feet away); Edwin Franko Goldman (about 400 feet away); In Memory of Elkan Naumburg

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(about 500 feet away); 307th Infantry AEF (about 600 feet away); Knights of Pythias Memorial (about 600 feet away); Mary Harriman Rumsey Playground (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Also see . . .
1. Bethesda Fountain - Central Park Conservancy. Rising from Bethesda Terrace is Angel of the Waters, also called Bethesda Fountain. The statue references the Gospel of John, which describes an angel blessing the Pool of Bethesda and giving it healing powers. (Submitted on June 30, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

2. Bethesda Terrace - Central Park.com. The structure's layout consists of both an upper and a lower terrace, which are connected by two grand staircases and a smaller one leading directly to the Mall. (Submitted on June 30, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

3. Bethesda Fountain, Central Park -- The Angel of Water. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on March 21, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

4. Central Park's Minton-Tiled Arcade. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 13, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

5. The Heart of Central Park -- The Terrace. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 13, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2012

2. Bethesda Fountain and Terrace Marker

Bethesda Terrace image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2012

3. Bethesda Terrace

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2012

4. Bethesda Terrace

Bethesda Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2012

5. Bethesda Fountain

Bethesda Fountain and Terrace image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2012

6. Bethesda Fountain and Terrace

Bethesda Fountain with boaters on The Lake beyond. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 2008

7. Bethesda Fountain with boaters on The Lake beyond.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 638 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on February 17, 2019, by Bruce Guthrie of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 30, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 7. submitted on September 4, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.