Plaque Unveiling Honors Woodlawn as National Landmark

A story that didn't make this week's paper. Enjoy.

By David Greene

At the unveiling are (l-r) Bronx historian Lloyd Ultan, Comptroller John Liu,
Woodlawn President John Toale and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Photo by David Greene.

Dozens of Bronxites joined local elected officials in a plaque unveiling, celebrating Woodlawn Cemetery's recent inclusion to a list of America's national landmarks.

At the unveiling, held at Woodlawn on Sunday, Oct. 16, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. told the crowd, "In the United States, there are 2,500 known landmarks and in the state of New York, we have only 262, and today we are celebrating the 5th national landmark of the Bronx."

Diaz continued, "When you look at the wonderful resurgence and the renaissance of our borough, and the fact that we have been designated as a national historic landmark, it doesn't come easy; it comes with a lot of work."

New York City Comptroller John Liu remarked, "People are coming to the Bronx, no question about it, and in a time when our city and indeed our country is still struggling to get out of what is the deepest recession since the great depression. We have things that we can look forward to and great things are happening right here in the Bronx."

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Liu added, "Certainly, it's going to be a part of the long term solution that we will need to achieve prosperity again."

A proclamation sent to Woodlawn Cemetery from Mayor Michael Bloomberg read in part, "Woodlawn Cemetery is an outstanding example of American memorial architecture and a vital link to the past, that has made New York the most diverse, dynamic city in the world."

Senator Jeff Klein said of Woodlawn, "It represents the history of our borough. It's the final resting place of so many famous people, people that contributed so much. Not only to our borough, but the city and the nation, so this is really a great day."

Bronx historian, professor Lloyd Ultan offered, "Look around you. See all of these people who have taken up final residence in Woodlawn Cemetery. We have people from all walks of life. We have some of the great captains of industry, whose names appear in the pages of American history."

Ultan added, "Woodlawn has a lot to be proud of, this is a national historic landmark and it deserves it."

The National Park Service added Woodlawn Cemetery to its list of National Historic Landmarks on June 23, 2011, joining the Bartow-Pell Mansion, the New York Botanical Garden, the Van Cortlandt House and the Croton Aqueduct as the only Bronx institutions to hold the honor.