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

Prison Ship Martyrs Monument

Photographed By R. C., December 6, 2008

1. Prison Ship Martyrs Monument Marker

Inscription.
[Engraved into the limestone at the base of the tower]: 1776
The
Prison
Ship
Martyrs
Monument
1908
[Plaque on monument's opposite side from engraving]:
In memory of the 11,500 patriotic American Sailors and Soldiers who endured untold suffering, and died on the British prison ships, anchored in Wallabout during the Revolutionary War 1776 - 1782. Their remains lie buried in the crypt at the base of this monument which was dedicated on November 14, 1908.

This plaque was affixed by the Society of Old Brooklynites on June 1, 1960.

Erected 1908 by State of New York.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1927.

Location. 40° 41.508′ N, 73° 58.531′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Fort Greene. Marker can be reached from Washington Park when traveling south. Marker is in Fort Greene Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brooklyn NY 11205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Prison Ship Martyrs Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish Memorial Plaque (within shouting distance

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of this marker); a different marker also named Prison Ship Martyrs Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); On the Occasion of the Bicentennial of the United States of America (within shouting distance of this marker); Delafield Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Ginkgo (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Greene Park (within shouting distance of this marker); What is a Redoubt Anyway? (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.

Prison Ship Martyrs Monument Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C., December 6, 2008

2. Prison Ship Martyrs Monument Plaque

Revolutionary War Death Ship image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 8, 2021

3. Revolutionary War Death Ship

"Together We Served" website entry
Click for more information.

Prison Ship Martyrs Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C., December 6, 2008

4. Prison Ship Martyrs Monument

Plaque side view. Note the urn at the top of the tower.

Entrance to the crypt where the remains reside. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C., December 6, 2008

5. Entrance to the crypt where the remains reside.

Fort Greene Park Museum & Visitors Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C., December 6, 2008

6. Fort Greene Park Museum & Visitors Center

There is a nice little museum near the monument which details the history of the event and the park.

The New York City Seal on the monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C., December 6, 2008

7. The New York City Seal on the monument

The seal includes a set of windmill sails, two beavers and two flour barrels, symbolizing the founding of the city.

Inside the Fort Greene Park Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C., December 6, 2008

8. Inside the Fort Greene Park Museum

Fort Greene Park Eagle image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C., December 6, 2008

9. Fort Greene Park Eagle

There are eagles on each of the four corners of the monument plaza.

Former entrance at the base of the monument tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C., December 6, 2008

10. Former entrance at the base of the monument tower

The monument originally housed a staircase and elevator to the top observation deck. The elevator was operational until the 1930s but was unfortunately removed in the early 1970s. The tower is no longer opened to the public.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,439 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 31, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. 3. submitted on May 8, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on December 31, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.