Civic Center in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Foley Square
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 26, 2011
1. Foley Square Marker
Foley Square is named for Thomas F. “Big Tom” Foley (1852-1925), a prominent Democratic Party leader from the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Foley left school at the age of thirteen to support his widowed mother, working for a period as a blacksmith’s helper. In 1877 he began his active connection with politics as a Tammany election district captain and rose to be First Assembly District leader.
Although Foley served as a member of the old City Council, as Alderman, and as Sheriff, he generally avoided elected office, preferring to sponsor others. His lasting gift to his party and indeed his Nation was to choose young Alfred E. Smith as candidate for the New York State Assembly in 1903. Smith rose to be Speaker, then Governor. In 1928 Smith would be the first Catholic to run for President.
At Foley’s death in 1925 Smith stated, “My personal and political welfare were as much a matter of concern to him as though I was his own son.” The New York Times ran the following headline about his funeral: “East Side Crowds Mourn the Passing of Almost the Last of Old-Time Leaders.” In 1926 the Board of Aldermen offered “Big Tom” and enduring tribute, when they named this city park, in the heart of New York’s government district, in his memory.
this page online
Erected 2000 by City of New York Parks & Recreation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 40° 42.892′ N, 74° 0.122′ W. Marker was in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It was in Civic Center. Marker was at the intersection of Centre Street and Worth Street, on the right when traveling north on Centre Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: New York NY 10007, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Foley Square Before 1600 (a few steps from this marker); New York County Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Foley Square c. 1880 (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Paine Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham De Peyster
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 26, 2011
2. Foley Square Marker
Also see . . . Foley Square. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on April 9, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 26, 2011
3. Foley Square Marker
Photographed By Larry Gertner, February 15, 2019
4. Foley Square, 2019
The marker is missing; can't find it anywhere in the vicinity.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 775 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 31, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on February 18, 2019.
