John Wolfe Ambrose Monument
Address:
, US
Category: Monuments
Erected: 1936
Sculptor: Andrew O'Connor
Owner: NYC Parks
Description: The Irish-American engineer, John Wolfe Ambrose (1838-1899) responsible for the deep sea channel stretching from the Narrows to the ocean. Ambrose attended NYU and Princeton University, presided over the Brooklyn Wharf & Dock Co. and was influential in much of the city’s maritime infrastructure. He lobbied Congress for forty years for funds build a channel 2,000 feet wide and 40 feet deep, which could accomodate larger ships and open Brooklyn's port to more commerce. The resulting Ambrose Channel improved the viability of the port by cutting the distance into the port by six miles.
The life-size bronze bust of Ambrose looks out on the Harbor today from a pedestal located in the south wall of the concession building.
