Financial District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Trinity Root
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 25, 2015
1. Trinity Root wayside
Steve Tobin, B. 1957
Painted Bronze
15 Feet High X 20 Feet Wide
Gift of the Artist
On September 11, 2001, debris from the collapsing World Trade Center towers struck a large sycamore tree that had stood for nearly half a century in the churchyard of St. Pauls Chapel at Broadway and Fulton Street. When the dust settled, the uprooted tree was found lying on a narrow path in the yard. It had fallen in such a way that none of the historic tombstones around it were disturbed and none of the wreckage reached the Church.
Philadelphia-born artist Steve Tobin heard the story of the sycamore and envisioned using its roots as the basis for a bronze sculpture. In September 2005, the two-ton sculpture was installed here. The Trinity Root serves as a metaphor for connectedness and strength. It is a favorite attraction, fascinating young children, community members, and tourists alike.
Be sure to visit St. Pauls Chapel to see the exhibit Unwavering Spirit: Hope & Healing at Ground Zero about the Chapels ministry to rescue and recovery workers after September 11, 2001.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Disasters • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 2001.
Location.
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in New York City. It was also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: New York State Society of the Cincinnati (a few steps from this marker); Trinity Church (a few steps from this marker); Captain James Lawrence & Lieutenant Augustus C. Ludlow (a few steps from this marker); September 17, 1951 (a few steps from this marker); Queen Elizabeth II (a few steps from this marker); April 20, 1951 (a few steps from this marker); The Honorable John Watts (a few steps from this marker); October 8, 1951 (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Trinity Church (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The original sycamore stump was returned to its original location
Photographed by Larry Gertner, August 20, 2019
2. Trinity Root - The beginnings
The original St. Paul's Chapel sycamore was move here on temporary display.
Also see . . .
1. Trinity Root: Root Sculpture Commemorates 9/11. Native Tree Society Website entry (Submitted on March 20, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. The Trinity Root Sculpture From 9/11 - What Happened to it?. Untapped New York Website entry (Submitted on March 20, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Larry Gertner, August 20, 2019
3. Trinity Root - coming attractions
During the installation process, this wayside described the finished product.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, August 20, 2019
4. Trinity Root - the final appearance
The completed sculpture was something to behold.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, August 20, 2019
5. Trinity Root Marker
This small sign appeared on the churchyard fence on Broadway.
The New Yotk Times, /7/07/2016
6. Trinity Root - the vanishing
From 2005 to 2015, the sculpture stood until it was inexplicably removed to Connecticut.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 27, 2016
7. Trinity Root - aftermath
The sculpture site remains empty today.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 534 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 20, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
