Ezra Cornell Monument

Standing majestically on the Arts Quad at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, the Ezra Cornell Monument is a tribute to the co-founder and namesake of this prestigious institution. This monumental statue, crafted by the renowned sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil, was dedicated in June 1919 and remains a symbol of the university's rich history and enduring legacy.

The Life of Ezra Cornell

Ezra Cornell was born on January 11, 1807, in Westchester County, New York. His journey to Ithaca began in 1828 when he moved to manage a flouring mill and other factories along Fall Creek. Cornell's life took a significant turn in the 1840s when he became involved in the creation of telegraph lines in the Northeastern United States, thanks to his acquaintance with Samuel Morse. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found the Western Union Telegraph Company in 1855.

Despite retiring in 1858, Cornell's influence continued to grow as he became active in politics and philanthropy. As a Republican, he served on the New York State Assembly and later the New York State Senate throughout the 1860s. One of his notable contributions during this period was the establishment of a public library in Ithaca in 1863.

However, it was his involvement in the creation of Cornell University in 1865 that cemented his legacy. As the chairman of the Cornell University Board of Trustees, a position he held until his death, Ezra Cornell played a crucial role in securing the university's designation as New York's land-grant university. He generously donated 200 acres of land and $500,000 in cash to help the institution grow. Cornell passed away on December 9, 1874, but his vision and contributions continue to shape the university to this day.

The Monument's Creation

The idea of a public statue honoring Ezra Cornell was first proposed by students in 1906, with the intention of dedicating it on the centennial of his birth. However, it wasn't until 1915 that the Board of Trustees commissioned sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil to design the bronze statue. MacNeil, a graduate of the Massachusetts Normal Art School, had a personal connection to Cornell University, having taught art classes there in the 1880s.

MacNeil's work on the statue between 1915 and 1917 was described as a labor of love, as he saw a resemblance between Ezra Cornell and his own father. The contract for the statue was awarded to MacNeil for $25,000. By 1918, work on the location for the statue began, and the foundation for the pedestal was placed between Morrill Hall and McGraw Hall. Interestingly, during this work, an old cistern that was once part of the university's water system was uncovered.

The Statue's Dedication

The dedication celebrations for the statue were initially scheduled for October 8, 1918, as part of the university's semicentennial celebrations. However, World War I caused these celebrations to be postponed. Instead, the statue was unveiled on June 22, 1919, with Mary Cornell, Ezra's only living child, performing the honors. The following year, images of the monument were displayed at an annual exhibition held by the Architectural League of New York.

Design and Features

The Ezra Cornell Monument is a striking bronze statue standing 9 feet tall, atop a red granite pedestal. The pedestal itself covers an area of 10 feet by 8 feet and rests on a stone platform that spans 50 feet by 20 feet. Surrounding the pedestal is a granite bench that extends along the length of 50 feet, inviting visitors to sit and reflect on the legacy of Ezra Cornell.

The statue depicts Ezra Cornell wearing a frock coat, with a wide-brimmed hat in his right hand, resting on a walking cane. His left hand is placed on a base, atop which lies the charter for the university. At the bottom of this base is an oak sprig, symbolizing strength and endurance. Behind Cornell, a Morse telegraph is depicted, paying homage to his contributions to the telegraph industry. The inscription on the front of the pedestal reads:

EZRA CORNELL
MDCCCVII–MDCCCLXXIV

Positioned across the quad from a statue of Andrew Dickson White, the Ezra Cornell Monument stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of its namesake. It is a place where students, faculty, and visitors can come to honor and remember the man whose contributions helped shape the future of education and communication.

Acts of Vandalism

Since its dedication, the statue has unfortunately been the target of several acts of vandalism. In 1985, it was doused in light-blue paint by Columbia University students following an incident involving the theft of Alma Mater's scepter by Cornell students. In 2017, anti-Semitic posters and flyers were posted on the statue and several buildings around the campus. More recently, in 2020, during the nationwide George Floyd protests, the base of the monument was graffitied with the phrase I can't breathe. Despite these incidents, the statue remains a resilient symbol of the university's enduring legacy.

The Ezra Cornell Monument is more than just a statue; it is a tribute to a man whose vision and dedication helped shape the future of education and communication. As you stand before this magnificent sculpture, take a moment to reflect on the life and legacy of Ezra Cornell, a true pioneer and philanthropist whose contributions continue to inspire generations.