Tribeca in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
James Bogardus Plaza
James Bogardus (1800-1874) was an architect, engineer and inventor who pioneered the use of cast iron as a building material. Bogardus built the first cast-iron structure in 1849 at the corner of Washington and Murray Streets. Two nearby surviving Bogardus cast-iron buildings are located at 75 Murray Street and 85 Leonard Street.
In the early 19th century, Tibeca was commonly referred to as the "Butter and Egg" district for the prevalence of its numerous dairy wholesale operations. The 13 granite "eggs" in the plaza are a nod to that history.
The original James Bogardus Viewing Garden was dedicated in 1996. The permanent Bogardus Plaza was completed in 2020 and is made possible by the Friends of Bogardus Plaza, a local non-profit organization.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 40° 42.963′ N, 74° 0.54′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Tribeca. It is at the intersection of Reade Street and Broadway, on the left when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 marker: James Bogardus Triangle (within shouting distance of this marker); Duane Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Duane Park (about 400 feet away); Headquarters (about 600 feet away); King's College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Icarus (approx. 0.2 miles away); Broadway-Chambers Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); New York Mercantile Exchange (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Other markers no longer nearby. James Bogardus Viewing Garden (was here,
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 30, 2025
3. Dedication plaque for James Bogardus Plaza
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
