José Julián Martí remains a respected figure in Cuban history, remembered for his bravery, writing, and leadership in the struggle for Cuba’s independence. A bronze equestrian statue in New York’s Central Park stands in honor of Martí’s sacrifice. More than a work of art, this monument represents the spirit of freedom, resilience, and unity between Cuba and the United States.
Location of the Monument
Exact Spot: W 59th Street & Center Drive, New York, NY 10019, USA
Park: Central Park, a place where many cultural and historical monuments are located
Surroundings: Green lawns, trees, and walking paths surround the statue
Sculptor and Artistic Work
Sculptor Name: Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington (1876–1973)
Notable Fact: Created this statue at the age of 82
Type of Sculpture: Bronze equestrian – a horse-mounted figure
Other Famous Work: Joan of Arc statue in Manhattan’s Riverside Park (1915)
Gift Status: The Statue was a gift from the artist to the Cuban government
Design and Architecture
Component
Details
Statue Material
Bronze
Depicted Scene
Martí, wounded but upright on his horse, during the Battle of Dos Ríos
Pedestal Material
Dark granite
Donated By
Cuban government
Architects
Clarke & Rapuano
Expression
Pain and resolve are captured in Martí’s posture and facial expression
About José Martí
Full Name: José Julián Martí Pérez
Birth Year: 1853
Death Year: 1895
Profession: Writer, poet, political thinker, and revolutionary leader
Primary Mission: Independence of Cuba from Spanish rule
Timeline of Martí’s Life
Year
Event
1868
Arrested by Spanish officials for revolutionary activities
1880
Escaped to New York, began exile life
1892
Founded the Cuban Revolutionary Party
1895
Returned to Cuba to join the independence struggle
1895
Died in the Battle of Dos Ríos, struck down in battle while on horseback
Martí’s Life in New York
Place of Exile: Lived in New York City from 1880 until 1895
Activities: Wrote essays, gave speeches, organized support for Cuban independence
Organizational Role: Created the Cuban Revolutionary Party
Legacy in NYC: A symbol of international resistance and intellectual power
Message Behind the Monument
Heroism: The Statue reflects Martí’s courage and his final moments in battle
Determination: Position of the body and face shows strength even in death
Connection: Celebrates Cuban-American historical ties and cultural exchange
Memory: Serves as a public memory of a freedom fighter whose ideas still inspire
Statue Features and Symbolism
Feature
Symbolism
Rearing Horse
Chaos and energy of battle
Fallen Martí
Final sacrifice for Cuban liberty
Raised Arm
Continued hope, courage, and direction even when facing death
Granite Pedestal
Strength, endurance, and solidarity from Cuba to NYC
Public Location
Reminder for all people of the cost of freedom and the power of vision
Historical Importance of the Sculpture
Legacy Artist Work: Last major sculpture by Hyatt Huntington
Political Gift: A peaceful offering by Cuba to the people of New York
Shared Ideals: Democracy, liberty, and justice are reflected in Martí’s actions and the statue’s placement
Public Display: Accessible to all, surrounded by Central Park’s natural beauty
Role of the Statue in Modern Times
Educational Value: Helps teach about Cuba’s fight for independence
Cultural Importance: Reminds Cuban-Americans of their roots and history
Tourist Attraction: Seen by thousands of visitors each year
Artistic Achievement: Blends realism with emotional depth in public art
Other Works by Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington
Work Name
Location
Description
Joan of Arc
Riverside Park, Manhattan
Bronze equestrian statue of the French heroine
El Cid
Several locations
A Medieval Spanish knight shown on horseback
Fighting Stallions
Brookgreen Gardens, SC
Two horses rearing in dynamic conflict
Cuban Revolutionary Party Highlights
Formed: 1892
Founder: José Martí
Main Purpose: Organize the Cuban resistance against Spain
Headquarters: New York City
Support: Gathered resources, volunteers, and sympathy from outside Cuba
Wrapping Up
The José Martí monument in Central Park is more than bronze and granite. It tells a powerful story of courage, exile, resistance, and enduring hope. This statue, shaped by the hands of an aging artist and gifted in friendship by a foreign government, reminds everyone who passes it of the cost of freedom and the greatness of the human spirit. In a quiet corner of New York, Martí rides forever, wounded but not defeated.
