Greenwood Heights in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Governor DeWitt Clinton

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

1. Governor DeWitt Clinton Marker

Inscription. Born March 2, 1769 at Little Britain, New York, DeWitt Clinton was one of the greatest statesmen produced by the State of New York. He was a State Senator, United States Senator, Mayor of the City of New York and Governor of the State of New York. He was the driving force that made public education a reality as well as a proponent of the abolition of slavery in the State of New York. He spearheaded the construction of the Erie Canal, which became the gateway to the American West. He was also one of the most prominent Freemasons of his day. He was Master of Holland Lodge No. 16 in 1793 and he served as Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York from 1806 to 1819. He was the first Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of New York in 1798 and the first General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United States in 1816. Clinton also served as the first Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar of the State of New York in 1814, and in 1816 he was the first Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States. DeWitt Clinton left his earthly labors on February 11, 1828 at Albany, New York. He was reinterred in Green-wood Cemetery in 1844. DeWitt Clinton was an honorable man, a true patriot and a devoted Freemason.

Erected

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1998 by New York State Freemasons.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1912.

Location. 40° 39.394′ N, 73° 59.592′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Greenwood Heights. It is on Bayside Avenue. Marker is in Green-Wood Cemetery in section 108, plot Clinton Dell. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brooklyn NY 11232, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

the Western Hemisphere,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William Moir Smith (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Anderson Family Tomb (about 400 feet away); Historic Chapel (about 600 feet away); Van Ness-Parsons Family Tomb (about 600 feet away); The Green-Wood Cemetery (about 700 feet away); Green-Wood Cemetery Gates (about 700 feet away); McDonald (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Battle of Brooklyn (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.

More about this marker. Monument consists of a statue of Gov. Clinton atop a pedestal. Plaques on the sides depict relief scenes of events in Clinton's life. The marker on the front of the

Governor DeWitt Clinton Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

2. Governor DeWitt Clinton Monument

monument contains the New York State seal and various masonic symbols.

Left side of monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

3. Left side of monument

Front of Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

4. Front of Monument

Slaves appear on this plaque. DeWitt Clinton fought to end of slavery in New York State.

Rear of Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

5. Rear of Monument

This relief plaque depicts the building of the Erie Canal. Clinton played a key role in the construction of this waterway.

Closeup of Governor DeWitt Clinton Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2008

6. Closeup of Governor DeWitt Clinton Statue

DeWitt Clinton image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, August 9, 2015

7. DeWitt Clinton

This c. 1816 portrait of DeWitt Clinton by John Wesley Jarvis hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington,DC.

“DeWitt Clinton, masterful politician of New York in and out of office as mayor of the city and governor of the state was a man who saw America with the potential for unlimited progress. His great dream was for a canal linking the Great Lakes with the Hudson River. When expected federal financing did not materialize, Clinton set out to put public pressure for funding on the state legislature. A bond issue was approved just in time for Clinton, newly elected as governor, to preside over the groundbreaking ceremonies on July 4, 1817. Eight years later, Clinton, returned to office, directed the great celebration of the Erie Canal's completion. ‘Clinton's Ditch’ was a popular and immediate financial success and contributed enormously to the growth and prosperity of New York and the Northwest Territory as well.” — National Portrait Gallery

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,934 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 5, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 7. submitted on August 29, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.