Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Gun Hill Signal Station - St. George, Barbados


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Gun Hill Signal Station 
St. George, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs


GPS: N13° 08.599; W059° 33.454

Quick Description: 

Gun Hill Signal Station is located on top of Gun Hill Cliff in the town of St. George in Barbados.

Long Description:

The Gun Hill Signal Station was built in 1818 following a slave rebellion. It served to relay messages between Christ Church and St. Joseph (Cotton Tower) stations. it also was used as a convalescent facility for British soldiers and their families.

Its fortified position high on a cliff affords a panoramic view of southwest Barbados and the Caribbean Sea beyond. As such, it also was used as a lookout tower to defend the island from attack from the sea and as a weather observatory to warn of impending storms.

In 1980, restoration of the signal tower and surrounding garden grounds was begun by the Barbados National Trust. The project was completed in 1983. The area is now one of its prime heritage attractions in Barbados.

A sign at Gun Hill Signal Station recalls its history. It reads:

The Slave Route
claiming our future in the past

GUN HILL
SIGNAL
STATION

Erected after the 1816 slave Rebellion,
this station served Barbadian and British
military units primarily for the relay of
information on any impending slave revolts.
It was also used to provide information on
approaching ships and hurricanes to
several other stations across the island.
The role signal stations became less
important after the introduction of the
telephone. The facility was restored in
1980 by the Barbados National Trust


The Gun Hill Signal Station in St. George, Barbados is depicted on one of four stamps issued by Barbados on March 12, 2012 as part of a set of stamps depicting historical sites around Bridgetown and its Garrison.



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Lion At Gun Hill - St. George, Barbados

Interesting Places I've Photographed
Lion At Gun Hill 
St. George, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs




GPS: N13° 08.551; W059° 33.353

Quick Description: 

The Lion at Gun Hill is located on the cliff southwest of the Gun Hill Signal Station in St. George, Barbados.

Long Description:

The Lion at Gun Hill is a landmark figure carved out of coral limestone in 1868 by Captain Henry Wilkinson, 9th Foot Regiment - Adjutant General, with the aid of four other military laborers. The 7' high rendition of the British Imperial Lion stands on three paws with his left front paw resting on a red globe. The red globe is symbolic of the worldwide British Empire.

Beneath the lion and on the edge of a limestone rectangle is inscribed, in Latin, a verse taken from The Book of Psalms 72:8 

DOMINABITUS A MARI US AD MARE A FLUMINE US AD TERMINOS ORRIS
(IT WILL RULE FROM SEA TO SEA, FROM RIVER TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH)



Within the limestone rectangle is Wilkinson's name, unit, and the date the lion was sculpted. 

HEN IOA WILKINSON
CEN COH PED IX BRITAN
TRIB CASTR SCULPSIT
AD MDCCCLXVIII



To to right of the lion are the names of the four military laborers:

M BROWN
D NICHOLL
D HARRIS
P R WILLIAM
MIL LAB COOP



The stamp was issued by Barbados on May 4, 1970 as part of a 16 stamp set depicting various Barbados sights.



Monday, March 25, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Bridgetown Public Library - Bridgetown, Barbados


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Bridgetown  Public Library
Bridgetown, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs


GPS: N13° 06.019; W059° 36.917


Quick Description: 

The Bridgetown Public Library is located on Coleridge Street in the center of Bridgetown, Barbados.

Long Description:


The main branch of the National Library Service of Barbados was established in 1906 from a grant from Andrew Carnegie. The Bridgetown Library is one of 2509 libraries around the world funded by $56,162,622 in grants from Carnegie. The building was funded by $23,330 grant from the Carnegie Fund.


The free public library on Coleridge Street is constructed of coral limestone and built in the English Renaissance style. The library collection includes items in both print and non-print formats, many relating to the history of Barbados dating back to the 18th century. The National Library Service is governed under the purview of the Prime Minister's Office.

The Public Library in Bridgetown, Barbados is shown on one of four stamps issued by Barbados on March 12, 2012 as part of a set of stamps depicting historical sites of Bridgetown and its Garrison.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Montefiore Drinking Fountain - Bridgetown, Barbados


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Montefiore Drinking Fountain
Bridgetown, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs


GPS: N13° 06.000; W059° 36.910

Quick Description: 

The Montefiore Drinking Fountain is locate on Coleridge Street near the main library in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Long Description:

The Montefiore Drinking Fountain was once a public drinking fountain but has ceases to serve this function, yet it is still called a fountain. There is no water associated with the structure. For that reason it is more properly called the Montefiore Monument. 

The original highly ornate drinking fountain was donated to the city of Bridgetown, in 1865, by Jewish businessman John Montefiore. It was a memorial to his father, John Castello Montefiore, who had been one of the first casualties of a cholera epidemic in 1854. 

John Castello Montefiore was a leading merchant who operated a wholesale and retail business in Bridgetown. He was also the owner of Neils Plantation. 

The Montefiore Drinking Fountain was opened on November 02, 1865 and was widely acclaimed for its architectural beauty. On each side of the fountain are bas relief sculptures representing the ideals of Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, and Prudence.

The memorial fountain was originally located in Beckwith Place, until it was moved to its present location in 1940.

The stamp is part of a 16 stamp set issued by Barbados on May 4, 1970 depicting various sights in Barbados.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Nidhe Israel Synagogue Museum - Bridgetown, Barbados



Interesting Places I've Photographed
Nidhe Israel Synagogue Museum
Bridgetown, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N13° 05.957; W059° 36.914

Quick Description: 

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue Museum is located next to the restored Synagogue on Synagogue Lane between Coleridge Street and Magazine Lane in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Long Description:


The Jewish Synagogue called the Nidle Israel Synagogue (Bet Knesset Nide Yisrael - Synagogue of the Scattered of Israel) is the only synagogue in Bridgetown and is one of the oldest synagogues in the western hemisphere.

The original synagogue building, constructed in 1750, was heavily damaged by the hurricane of 1831. It fell into disrepair and, in 1929, was deconsecrated. It was sold and subsequently underwent many changes of ownership. In 1983, the present synagogue and museum complex was obtained by the Barbados Government. The buildings was saved from being razed and then turned over to the Barbados National Trust for renovation. In 1986 renovation of the synagogue and museum buildings began. Upon completion the synagogue is was restored for use as a synagogue and the adjacent museum was opened to the public. Both are still owned by the Barbados National Trust.

The museum traces Jewish history in Barbados dating back to the arrival of the earliest Jews in 1628 when about 300 Jewish people of Recife, Brazil were persecuted by the Portuguese and settled in Barbados. Exhibits at the Nidhe Israel Museum include a timeline of Jewish settlement in Barbados, artifacts and interactive displays. The museum is between the burial grounds the newer, actively used synagogue.

The stamp was issued by Barbados in 2007 as part of a set of four stamps commemorating the restoration of the Nidhe Synagogue Museum.


Friday, March 22, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Nidhe Israel Synagogue - Bridgetown, Barbados


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Nidhe Israel Synagogue
Bridgetown, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N13° 05.958; W059° 36.916

Quick Description:

The restored Nidhe Israel Synagogue is located next to Nidhe Israel Museum on Synagogue Lane between Coleridge Street and Magazine Lane in Bridgetown, Barbados.


Long Description:

The Jewish Synagogue called the Nidle Israel Synagogue (Bet Knesset Nide Yisrael - Synagogue of the Scattered of Israel) is the only synagogue in Bridgetown and is one of the oldest active synagogues in the western hemisphere.

The original synagogue building, constructed in 1750, was heavily damaged by the hurricane of 1831. It fell into disrepair and, in 1929, was deconsecrated. It was sold and subsequently underwent many changes of ownership. In 1983, the present synagogue and museum complex was obtained by the Barbados Government. The buildings was saved from being razed and then turned over to the Barbados National Trust for renovation. In 1986 renovation of the synagogue began. Upon completion the building was restored for use as a synagogue. However, it is still owned by the Barbados National Trust.

The reconstructed synagogue combining Jewish, Gothic, Renaissance and Barbadian architectural features. The pastel buff and white building is especially famous for its beautiful lancet-shaped Gothic style arch windows, its balustraded roof-line, and thick walls with rounded corners. The synagogue appears today much as it did in the 1830's when the prosperous Jewish community of Barbados dominated the island's sugar industry.

The stamp is part of a set of four stamps issued by Barbados in 1987 to commemorate the completion of the restoration of the Nidhe Israel Synagogue.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: St. Mary's Church - Bridgetown, Barbados

Interesting Places I've Photographed
St. Mary's Church
Bridgetown, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N13° 05.907; W059° 37.129

Quick Description:

St. Mary's Church is located within a park-like setting at the western end of Lower Broad Street in Bridgetown, Barbados


Long Description:

The Georgian style St. Mary's Church is within the Anglican Diocese of Barbados. It was built in 1825 and consecrated by Bishop William Hart Coleridge on July 27, 1827. On September 23, 1825, the legislature of Barbados passed an act which provided a grant of five thousand pounds (£5000.00) to facilitate the construction of St. Mary's Church. It replaced a church on this site that was destroyed by a hurricane. The Chancel was added in 1894. The clock in the church's tower was added in the 20th century at a cost of fifty thousand Barbados dollars. It was a gift from the Cave Shepherd & Co. Ltd. department store of Barbados.

This beautiful church is constructed of gray brick with white brick trim and features a large red roof. It was one of the few structures in Bridgetown that survived the great hurricane of 1831 without significant damage.

The stamp is part of a four stamp set issued by Barbados in 2012 depicting historic sites on the island.

Services:
Sundays - 7:00 am (Holy Mass & Sermon)
Sundays - 8:45 am (Solemn Mass, Sermon & Sunday School)
Tuesdays - 7:00 am (Holy Mass & Homily)
Wednesdays - 7:00 am (Holy Mass & Homily)
Wednesdays - 12:00 pm (Midday Devotions & Address)
Thursdays - 7:00 am (Holy Mass & Homily)
Fridays - 9:00 am (Matins)
Fridays - 9:30 am (Holy Mass)

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Public Buildings - Bridgetown, Barbados


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Public Buildings
 Bridgetown, Barbados 
Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N13° 05.753; W059° 36.852

Quick Description: 

This stamp issued in 1950 depicts the view looking north from across the harbor to the public buildings in downtown Bridgetown, Barbados.

Long Description:

The Constitution River, locally called "The Careenage", flows through Bridgetown, passes under the Chamberlain Bridge into the Bridgetown Harbor. The stamp depicts the view looking due north from a vantage point on the embankment on the south side of the harbor near the south end of the Chamberlain Bridge. The clock tower of the old Parliament Building complex is directly in view. To the right beyond the green fence are the other Public Buildings.

The Neo-Gothic, coral limestone, Public Buildings were completed in 1874 to accommodate the Houses of Parliament, to provide centralized public offices for Secretary, the Colonial Treasurer, the Auditor General, the Accountant General, the Postmaster-General, the Comptroller of Customs, the Provost Marshal and the Director of Education and to safely store Barbados' Public Records.

The Public Buildings, the north end of the Chamberlain Bridge, and the place where the north embankment of the harbor turns 90 degrees south can be seen on both the photograph and the stamp. Since 1950, a utility structure has been added to the north west part of the Chamberlain Bridge. Beyond is Cenotaph, which is barely visible on the stamp, but can no longer be seen from this spot due to this new structure.

The stamp was issued on May 1, 1950 as part of a 12 stamp set of pictorial definitive stamps. It's personally gratifying to finally get to visit, 60 years later, the scene you remember seeing as a young boy on a bi-colored British Colony postage stamp.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Independence Arch - Bridgetown, Barbados


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Independence Arch
Bridgetown, Barbados 
Topic: Philatelic Photographs
South Side
North Side
GPS: N13° 05.741; W059° 36.846


Quick Description: 

The Independence Arch is located at the south end of the Chamberlain Bridge that spans the Careenage harbor at the mouth of Constitution River in Bridgetown.

Long Description:

Barbados ceased to be a British colony on November 30th 1966. In 1987, the Independence Arch was completed in time to commemorate the 21st anniversary of independence.

The north and south sides of the arch contains identical images representing the heritage and culture of Barbados. Across the top of the arch is the coat of arms of Barbados which features a flying fish and a pelican flanking the central shield the motto "Pride and Industry" below. Large images of a flying fish and a pelican appear on both the north and south sides of the arch. Above is a vertical display of the pride of Barbados flower. Tridents, the national symbol of Barbados, are in the upper corners. The National Pledge appears at each base of the arch.


The stamp shows an artists drawing of the south side of Independence Arch with the Chamberlain Bridge and the Parliament Building visible through the arch. More recently added market place stalls partially blocks this complete view. The stamp was issued by Barbados in 1967 to commemorate the 1st anniversary of independence.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Dolphin Fountain - Bridgetown, Barbados


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Dolphin (Trafalgar) Fountain
Bridgetown, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs





GPS: N13° 05.805; W059° 36.830

Quick Description: 

The Dolphin (Trafalgar) Fountain is located in Heroes' (Trafalgar) Square in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Long Description:

The beautiful Dolphin Fountain goes by several names. Originally it was referred to as the Trafalgar Fountain, since it was located in Trafalgar Square. The square has since been renamed Heroes' Square. Bajans refer to it as the Dolphin Fountain; others call it the Shell Fountain.

The Dolphin Fountain is a white (coral limestone?) multi-tiered fountain. A large 45' circular basin at the bottom holds a pool of water from the fountain. In the middle of the basin is a 18' diameter circular scalloped basin resembling a shell. Rising from the shell are three intertwined dolphins standing on their heads. A jet of water shoots up in an arc from each head. The tails of the dolphins support a small basin which receives water from an even smaller basin above. A water flows from a final top three-finial into the basins below.
The fountain opened opened in 1865 to commemorate the introduction of piped water to Bridgetown, in March 1861. A pair of plaques on the front of the fountain are inscribed.


THIS FOUNTAIN WAS ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION
TO COMMEMORATE THE BRINGING OF PIPED WATER TO
THE CITY OF BRIDGETOWN
ON MARCH 29TH 1861
OPENED BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR - ROBERT MILLER MUNDY
ON THE 27TH JULY 1865
WHO ACCEPTED CUSTODY OF THIS FOUNTAIN ON BEHALF OF THE
GOVERNMENT OF BARBADOS

and

THE PUMP FOR THIS FOUNTAIN WAS INSTALLED
BY THE BARBADOS NATIONAL TRUST
A GRANT FROM THE ADVOCATE COMPANY LIMITED
(ESTABLISHED 1895)

The stamp is part of a 16 stamp set issued by Barbados on May 4, 1970 depicting various sights in Barbados.


Sunday, March 17, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Cenotaph - Bridgetown, Barbados


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Cenotaph
Bridgetown, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N13° 05.804; W059° 36.841

Quick Description: 

The Cenotaph is located in Hero's Square, formerly Trafalgar Square, in Bridgetown, Barbados


Long Description:

The Cenotaph monument was erected in 1925 to commemorate those who died during the Great War (World War I). It consists of an approximately 30' tall obelisk with the dates 1914 -1918 in bronze letters on the front side. The plaque on the front has the dedication:


TO THE
GLORY OF GOD AND IN
LASTING MEMORY OF THE BARBADIANS
WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR
1914 - 1918
------
THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED BY THE
LEGISLATURE OF BARBADOS
------
BRITISH WEST INDIAN REGIMENT

Followed by a list of 49 names. A second plaque has an additional list of 46 names.
Added later, on the back, were the dates 1939 - 1945 and two plaques. One has the dedication:


1939 - 1945
TO THE ENDURING MEMORY OF
THOSE BARBADIANS WHO GAVE THEIR
LIVES IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR

Followed by a list of 39 names. A second plaque has an additional list of 56 names.

The stamp is part of a 16 stamp set issued by Barbados on May 4, 1970 depicting various sights in Barbados.



Saturday, March 16, 2013

Philatelic Photograph: Lords Nelson Statue - Bridgetown, Barbados


Interesting Places I've Visited
Lord Nelson Statue
Bridgetown, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs

GPS: N13° 05.808; W059° 36.864

Quick Description: 

The first statue ever erected to honor Admiral Horatio (Lord) Nelson is located in Heroes' (formerly Trafalgar) Square in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Long Description:

The statue of Admiral Nelson was sculpted by Sir Richard Westmacott and erected on March 22, 1813 in the former Trafalgar Square, now called Heroes' Square. It was the earliest monument to Admiral Nelson, predating the Nelson Column in Trafalgar Square, London by almost 30 years.

Admiral Nelson was considered a hero by Bajans for his battles with the French, in 1805. The French controlled several nearby Caribbean islands and many islands in the Caribbean changed hands frequently. Barbados, however, remained under British rule until they achieved independence in 1966.

The 6.5' tall bronze statue depicts Admiral Nelson in full military uniform standing with his right hand over his heart. His left hand is resting on a partially draped object. Beneath the statue and on the front of the pedestal is the inscription:


NELSON

Three plaques provided information about the artist, statue and the Admiral. The artist plaque is inscribed:


SIR RICHARD WESTMACOTT R. A.
SCULPTOR
1744 - 1830
The dedication plaque is inscribed:


THIS STATUE
IN HONOUR OF THE HERO
THE INHABITANTS OF THIS ISLAND
ERECTED A.D. MDCCCXII

The biography plaque is inscribed:


HORATIO VISCOUNT AND BARON
NELSON
VICE ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE, K. B.
COMMANDED AND CONQUERED
ON THE FIRST OF AUGUST MDCCXCIX AT
THE NILE:
ON THE SECOND OF APRIL MDCCCI AT
COPENHAGEN
AND AT
TRAFALGAR
WHERE HE FELL IN THE MOMENT
OF VICTORY
ON THE TWENTY FIRST OF OCTOBER
MDCCV

The stamp was issued by Barbados on  May 1, 1950 as part of a set of nine stamps depicting sites in Barbados.  Web link: http://www.barbados.org/lord-nelson-statue-barbados.htm

Thursday, March 14, 2013

WWII Memorial: Iwo Jima Memorial in New Britain, CT


Interesting Places I've Visited
Iwo Jima Memorial
New Britain, CT
Topic: WWII Memorial

GPS: N41° 41.893; W072° 45.510

Quick Description: 

The National Iwo Memorial in New Britain, CT has an exact replica of the famous Marine Memorial in Arlington, VA

Long Description:

The National Iwo Jima Memorial contains a sculpture based on the iconic photograph, taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, of the four Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the American flag on Mt. Suribachi on February 23, 1945.

The original sculpture of this event, based on the photograph, honors the Marine Corps and is located near the Pentagon in Rossyln, VA. It was unveiled on November 10, 1954.

The exact copy of the original was created by Joseph Petrovics for the National Iwo Jima Memorial in New Britain, CT. It was cast at the Modern Art Foundry. It was dedicated on February 23, 1995. On the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Neon Sign: NBC Studios - NY, NY


Interesting Places I've Photographed
NBC Studios Sign
New York, NY
Topic: Neon Signs



GPS: N40° 45.528; W073° 58.790

Quick Description: 

The NBC Studios Sign is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on 49th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in Manhattan.

Long Description:

The Art Deco NBC Studios Sign is of the the most recognized neon signs. It is often used when a location set image is needed for the NBC Studios. The sign promotes three different venues. On the side facing 49th Street in OBSERVATION DECK appears in blue neon lights. It marks the entrance to the Top of the Rock observation deck on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

On the east and west facing sides of the marquee are three neon signs. Above is RAINBOW ROOM in red neon lights. The Rainbow Room was an upscale northern Italian restaurant that recently closed. It has been designated a New  York City landmark and hopefully will reopen soon under new management. The middle contains a sign for the aforementioned OBSERVATION DECK. Below is NBC in double line red neon lights and STUDIOS in smaller, single line format.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Roadside Attraction: Blue Hen Statue - Newark, DE


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Blue Hen Statue
University of Delaware
Newark, DE
Topic: Roadside Attraction
It has not yet flown away.
GPS: N39° 41.278; W075° 45.329

Quick Description: 

The Blue Hen Statue is located near the sorority dormitories on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark, DE.

Long Description:

The Blue Hen statue is located on Pendcader Way which is reached from New London Road. The street looked like the driveway to me but soon it becomes a campus road. Look for the Blue Hen on the right underneath an overpass.

The Fightin' Blue Hen has been the mascot of the University of Delaware since 1911. This version of the mascot was created in 1979 by Robert Peoples, Jr. with the assistance of Tom Peoples. The 13' high by by 3' wide by 9.5' long sculpture stands on a green painted 10" high by 38" diameter convex circular base which is signed and dated by the artists. The Blue Hen composed of welded steel plates which are painted blue,  except for the beak and feet which are painted yellow.

According to the Roadside America and other websites, local legend has it that if a virgin graduates from the University of Delaware, the statue will fly away.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Figurative Public Sculpture: Looking Towards The Avenue - NY, NY


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Looking Towards The Avenue
New York, NY
Topic: Figurative Public Sculpture
53rd Street and 6th Avenue
52nd Street and 6th Avenue
GPS: N40° 45.702; W073° 58.757

Quick Description: 

"Looking Towards The Avenue" is the name given to three bronze sculptures located on 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) at 53nd and 52rd Streets in midtown Manhattan.

Long Description:

Figurative sculptures and prints that are suggestive of, but not copies of, the figure of Venus de Milo are one of American pop artist Jim Dine's favorite subjects. His works on this theme are widely displayed around the world. Three of these sculptures were commissioned by Tishman Speyer Trammell Crow Limited Partnership and installed in front of 1301 Sixth Avenue. The group is entitled "Looking Towards The Avenue".

These three bronze sculptures are installed on the corners of 53rd Street and 52nd Street and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. The three are very similar in execution but vary in size. The largest is 23' high and stands on the corner of 53rd Street in the center of a square polished black granite base. Two smaller versions are displayed together on the corner of 52nd Street. They are smaller, 14' and 18' tall, and are also stand on black polished granite squares.

Each abstract figurative statue is disrobed above the waist and headless. The figures are composed of angular surfaces. The upper part is recognizable as a female torso while the parts below the waist are more impressionistic since they embedded in the bronze matrix of the work. The headless figures makes the title of the work - "Looking Towards The Avenue" - quite ironic.

Friday, March 1, 2013

NRHP: Flatiron Building, New York, NY

Interesting Places I've Photographed
Flatiron Building
New York, NY
Topic: National Register of Historic Places


GPS: N40° 41.481; W073° 59.372



Short Description:

The Flatiron Building is located Fifth Avenue, Broadway, 22nd, and 23rd Streets in  Manhattan.

Long Description:

The Flatiron Building was designed by Daniel Burnham, an exponent of the Chicago school of architecture movement. The facade of Beaux-Arts style steel-framed building is made of limestone at the base and glazed terra-cotta higher up.  The building is 21 stories high and 285' tall. It is only 6.5' wide at vertex of the triangle on the 23rd Street side. The angle at this point is about 25 degrees. Construction of the building was began in 1902 and was completed in 1903. It is considered to be the oldest remaining skyscraper in New York City. It was built as the headquarters of the Fuller Construction Company. it was and originally meant to be called the Fuller Building.  It's resemblance to an old-fashioned flatiron gave it its popular name which is now the official name and the name commonly given to all buildings having a similar triangular shape.

The building was designated a New York City landmark in 1966, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989.