Morningside Heights in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Low Memorial Library
Low Memorial Library was a gift from the University president, Seth Low, in honor of his father, Abiel Abbot Low. It was the first major building to be erected on the new campus of Columbia University on Morningside Heights. Designed in 1893 by Charles Follen McKim, 1847-1909, of McKim, Mead & White and completed in 1897, it was conceived as the focus of their campus plan. Originally used as the library of Columbia University, it became the ceremonial and administrative center when Butler Library was built in 1934.
Erected 1973 by New York Community Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education.
Location. 40° 48.478′ N, 73° 57.729′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Morningside Heights. Marker can be reached from West 116th Street near Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10027, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battle of Harlem Heights (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); New York City Defenses During the War of 1812 (about 500 feet away); Columbia University Midshipmen's Training (about 500 feet away); Oscar J. Hijuelos (about 800 feet away); Harlan Fiske Stone (approx. 0.2 miles away); Woman's Health Protective Association Fountain (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carl Schurz Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cecil B. DeMille (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
More about this marker. Driving to the marker is not an option, but it is easily found on foot by entering the campus (easily from Broadway and W. 116th, but other entrances are just as easy) and walking the short distance to the center of the campus. The library is the focus of the campus and you can't miss it. The marker is mounted to the left of the front entrance, and is easily seen, even from a distance.
Also see . . .
1. Low Library. WikiCU, the Columbia University Wiki entry:
Low Memorial Library, despite its name, is neither low nor a library.... (Submitted on October 8, 2016.)
2. Columbia University's 1897 Low Library. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. Columbia University History. University website entry:
Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States.... (Submitted on October 8, 2016.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 8, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.