South of Union Square logo
South of Union Square
Post
Samuel S. Cox Statue
Samuel S. Cox Statue
1

Statue of Samuel S. Cox, northwest corner of Lafayette Place and Astor Place, 1891.

1891

Samuel S. Cox Statue

Statue of Samuel S. Cox, northwest corner of Lafayette Place and Astor Place, 1891.

IMAGE DATE1891
FromNew-York Historical Society logoNew-York Historical Society

Samuel S. Cox Statue, 1891.

Louise Lawson's sculpture of Congressman Samuel S. Cox stands eighth feet tall on an eleven-foot tall pedestal and depicts Cox gesturing towards Congress. The passionate orator stood at the triangle between Fourth Avenue and Lafayette Street, just behind the present uptown 6 train station entrance.

Cox was known as the "letter-carriers' friend," championing legislation that led to paid benefits for postal employees. The statue was funded by the U.S. Postal Service workers - in fact, the monument credits mail carriers from 188 cities for their contributions. Upon the unveiling of the statue, the New York Tribune wrote: "The likeness is not a good one." The New York Times pondered if it would ever be regarded as a work of art. The Sun's Guide was more direct with its criticism, calling Lawson's work " a stiff, inartistic affair."

When Lafayette Street was extended, the Cox statue was moved to Tompkins Square Park, close to Seventh Street and Avenue A. His back is positioned squarely towards the park.

ByUrban Archive logoUrban Archive
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service