Column of Jerash (Queens)
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The Column of Jerash is an ancient Roman column that stands in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York City. It is one of the oldest outdoor antiquities in New York City, dating back to 120 AD²⁴. It was originally part of a temple in the city of Jerash, Jordan, which was then under Roman rule⁵. The column is known as one of the "whispering columns" of Jerash, because it produces an echo effect when someone speaks into it²³.
The column was donated by King Hussein of Jordan to the New York World's Fair 1964-65 Corporation as a gesture of friendship and goodwill³⁴. It was displayed at the Jordanian Pavilion during the fair, along with other artifacts and exhibits showcasing Jordan's culture and history⁴. After the fair ended, most of the pavilions were demolished or removed, but the column remained as a permanent gift to New York City²³.
The column stands 30 feet tall and has a Corinthian capital on top³⁵. It is made of marble and has some inscriptions on its base⁵. It is located east of the Unisphere, near a grove of trees that provide some shade and tranquility²³. The column is often overlooked by visitors and locals alike, but it is a valuable piece of history that connects New York City with an ancient civilization²⁴.
References
(1) Whispering Column of Jerash, Queens, New York - RoadsideAmerica.com. https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/42255 Accessed 3/5/2023. (2) New York City’s Oldest Public Art Is Pompeii Ancient - Hyperallergic. https://hyperallergic.com/225383/new-york-citys-oldest-public-art-is-pompeii-ancient/ Accessed 3/5/2023. (3) Flushing Meadows Corona Park Monuments - Column of Jerash : NYC Parks. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/monuments/812 Accessed 3/5/2023. (4) Whispering Column of Jerash | The New York Public Library. https://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/10/24/whispering-column-jerash Accessed 3/5/2023. (5) . https://bing.com/search?q=Column+of+Jerash+Queens+New+York Accessed 3/5/2023.