The 107th Infantry Memorial stands as a striking tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of American soldiers who fought in World War I. Located at the East 67th Street entrance to Central Park, this memorial honors the men of New York's Seventh Regiment, particularly the 107th Infantry, whose efforts helped break through Germany’s Hindenburg Line, a key moment in the final phase of the war. The memorial's prominent location and dynamic depiction of soldiers in battle serve as a reminder of the courage and comradery of those who served.
107th Infantry Memorial
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| 107th Infantry Regiment Memorial Source: Wikipedia |
History and Dedication of the 107th Infantry Memorial
Dedicated on September 29, 1927, the 107th Infantry Memorial (Wikipedia) is one of the many monuments in New York City honoring the valor of soldiers. The location of this particular memorial, along Fifth Avenue at 67th Street, was specifically chosen due to its proximity to the Seventh Regiment Armory on Park Avenue. The Seventh Regiment, an elite unit of the New York National Guard, played a significant role during World War I, and their heroic actions are commemorated by this impressive bronze monument.The memorial was donated by the Seventh Regiment New York 107th United Infantry Memorial Committee and designed by sculptor Karl Illava (1896–1954), who himself served as a sergeant in the 107th Infantry. The dynamic bronze sculpture captures the essence of battle, depicting seven larger-than-life soldiers in active combat. These figures symbolize the collective efforts of ordinary American soldiers, known as "doughboys," a term coined by British soldiers to describe their American counterparts.
A Unique Artistic Tribute
Unlike traditional war monuments that often depict stoic or high-ranking officers, the 107th Infantry Memorial emphasizes the common soldier. Illava’s work portrays the men in the throes of battle, advancing as if mounting a charge. He drew inspiration from his own experiences in the war, even using his hands as models for the soldiers’ hands, lending a personal touch to the sculpture. The soldiers' realistic, active poses contrast with the formal, more passive figures depicted in other war memorials of the time.The memorial is set on a stepped granite platform designed by architects Rogers and Haneman. The large bronze figures, cast in 1927 at the Fond. G. Vignali foundry in Florence, Italy, rise from the platform as if charging into battle from Central Park’s wooded thicket. Illava once described the soldiers as "the doughboys chasing each other out of Central Park," capturing the urgency and movement of battle.
Architectural and Sculptural Details
The 107th Infantry Memorial is an imposing and intricately designed structure. It features:- Materials: Bronze figures set on a North Jay granite pedestal.
- Dimensions: The group of figures stands at 9'11" in height, 15'8" wide, and 10' deep, while the pedestal reaches 7'7" in height and 32'8" in width.
- Inscription: The monument is inscribed with the words: "SEVENTH REGIMENT NEW YORK / ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH UNITED INFANTRY / 1917 IN MEMORIAM 1918".
These architectural and sculptural details ensure the memorial’s lasting presence as a significant tribute to the service and sacrifice of the 107th Infantry.
Legacy and Significance
The 107th Infantry Memorial stands out as one of the most evocative and dramatic war memorials in Central Park, paying homage to the heroism of everyday soldiers rather than glorifying generals or military leaders. It contrasts with another nearby Seventh Regiment Memorial, located on the park’s west side near 67th Street, which commemorates soldiers lost during the Civil War.The approach taken by Illava in designing the 107th Infantry Memorial reflects the broader vision of Central Park’s designers, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who envisioned the park as a space dedicated to the common man. By focusing on the collective heroism of citizen-soldiers, the memorial serves as a democratic tribute, recognizing the contributions of ordinary men to extraordinary events in history.
Today, the 107th Infantry Memorial continues to be a focal point for visitors and New Yorkers alike, honoring the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of the American soldiers who fought in World War I.
