Discover the solemn beauty and rich history of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza in New York City. This essential landmark, honoring the sacrifices of New York's Vietnam War veterans, offers a powerful experience for visitors. Explore its transformative journey from Coenties Slip to a dedicated memorial, and learn how this space serves as a vital tribute to those who served. Plan your visit to this poignant site, and delve into the stories etched in its walls, reflecting a crucial chapter in American history.
Vietnam Veterans Plaza, New York
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| Image of New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza Square Source: Wikipedia |
An Iconic Landmark Honoring Vietnam Veterans
Located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, Vietnam Veterans Plaza is a deeply meaningful public space dedicated to the 250,000 men and women from New York City who served in the Vietnam War between 1964 and 1975. The plaza stands as both a memorial to the fallen and a gathering place for remembrance and reflection, honoring the 1,741 New Yorkers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war.
A Memorial with Historical Depth
A Park with Evolving Purpose
Before becoming Vietnam Veterans Plaza (Wikipedia), the site had a fascinating history stretching back over three centuries. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the northern section of the plaza was officially acquired by New York City through the Dongan Charter (1686) and Montgomerie Charter (1730), which granted surplus and waterfront land to the City.
The southern portion of the plaza, however, was once part of the East River — a bustling maritime hub called Coenties Slip. As New York expanded and its population grew, the slip was filled in by 1835 to create more land for development. The resulting trapezoidal parcel was soon converted into public space and, in 1884, was named Jeannette Park, after the USS Jeannette, a vessel that tragically vanished during a famous Arctic expedition.
Early Park Development
In 1886, renowned landscape architect Samuel Parsons Jr. designed the first version of Jeannette Park, incorporating ornamental plantings. By 1967, Parks Commissioner Robert Moses modernized the park, adding recreational features like handball and shuffleboard courts, along with a central flagpole.The Birth of Vietnam Veterans Plaza
A Vision for Remembrance
In the early 1980s, Mayor Edward I. Koch strongly advocated for a public memorial dedicated to New York City’s Vietnam veterans. After a competitive site selection process, Jeannette Park was chosen for this important transformation. By 1982, local legislation officially renamed the area Vietnam Veterans Plaza.Design and Creation
A design competition followed, resulting in a winning concept from architects Peter Wormser and William Fellows, along with writer and Vietnam veteran Joseph Ferrandino. Their vision created a memorial wall of translucent glass blocks, engraved with excerpts from actual letters, diary entries, poems, and dispatches written by service members, nurses, and journalists during the war. This personal touch makes the memorial particularly moving, offering firsthand voices from history.A Place for Reflection
The Memorial Wall
The glass block wall, set against a background of brick and granite, stands as the emotional and artistic centerpiece of the plaza. By day, the glass catches the sunlight, creating a soft glow that invites visitors to read the etched words. By night, subtle lighting illuminates the wall, enhancing the atmosphere of quiet remembrance.Visitors often leave personal mementos at the base of the wall — photographs, military patches, medals, small flags, and flowers — further personalizing the space and reinforcing its role as a living memorial.
The 2001 Renovation: Modernizing a Sacred Space
In 2001, Vietnam Veterans Plaza underwent a $7 million revitalization, funded by a public-private coalition including:
- The New Water Street Corporation
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- City of New York Parks & Recreation
- City Parks Foundation
- United War Veterans Council
- Alliance for Downtown New York
This ambitious project introduced new landscaping, upgraded seating areas, improved pathways, and added educational elements to enhance visitor engagement.
Educational and Ceremonial Features
Ceremonial Entrance
The updated entrance creates a formal gateway into the plaza, symbolizing the transition from bustling city streets to a space of reflection and tribute.The Map of the War
A large etched stainless steel map offers a geographical overview of the Vietnam War, highlighting key battle zones and providing essential context for visitors unfamiliar with the war’s complex history.The Walk of Honor
Twelve polished granite pylons form the Walk of Honor, each engraved with the names of the 1,741 New Yorkers who lost their lives in Vietnam. This solemn pathway draws visitors into the heart of the plaza, ensuring that every name is seen, read, and remembered.A Gathering Place for All
Vietnam Veterans Plaza serves not only as a memorial but also as a venue for ceremonies, educational programs, veteran gatherings, and community events. It continues to play a vital role in connecting new generations to the personal stories of courage, loss, and honor that define the Vietnam War experience.
Visitor Information
Location
Vietnam Veterans Plaza55 Water Street
New York, NY 10041
Hours
Open 24/7, year-round.Admission
Free — accessible to the public at all times.Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit with other historic and cultural sites in Lower Manhattan:✅ Battery Park
✅ South Street Seaport
✅ The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (via nearby ferries)
✅ 9/11 Memorial and Museum
✅ Wall Street
Reasons to Visit
⭐ Unique Historical Experience: Learn about the Vietnam War from the voices of those who lived it.⭐ Architectural and Artistic Landmark: Experience how architecture and storytelling merge.
⭐ Serene Reflection Space: A peaceful oasis amid the energy of Lower Manhattan.
⭐ Family-Friendly and Educational: Ideal for history buffs, veterans, students, and tourists alike.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Dedicated | May 4, 1985 |
| Rededicated | November 9, 2001 |
| Original Name | Jeannette Park |
| Architects | Peter Wormser, William Fellows |
| Primary Material | Translucent Glass, Granite |
| Key Features | Memorial Wall, Walk of Honor, Historical Map |
| Total Veterans Honored | 250,000 NYC Vietnam Veterans |
| Names Listed | 1,741 Fallen New Yorkers |
Conclusion
New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza Square is more than just a monument — it is a place where history meets humanity. Whether you come to honor a loved one, to learn the history, or simply to reflect in a quiet setting, this site offers a profound and deeply personal connection to the past. As you walk through the plaza, pause to read the words etched in glass, touch the granite pylons, and remember the extraordinary sacrifices made by ordinary New Yorkers who served their country with honor and courage.
