Liberty Pole

Written By Dino DiPietro

Here is a detailed history of the Liberty Pole in Glen Cove, New York:

📍 Origins & Erection

  • In April 1861, shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War, residents of Glen Cove built a 90-foot Liberty Pole at what was then called Union Square, at the corner of Cottage Row and School Street (then part of Glen Street). [Glen Cove...berty Pole], [studyres.com]

  • The use of liberty poles dates back to the American Revolution, symbolizing unity and protest against oppression—a Phrygian cap often topped these poles as a mark of freedom. [Glen Cove...berty Pole], [studyres.com]

📆 The Raising Ceremony

  • The official public event occurred on Tuesday, April 23, 1861, featuring the Glen Cove Cornet Band, a community flag-raising ceremony, speeches, singing, and a salute. [Glen Cove...berty Pole], [studyres.com]

  • The Glen Cove Gazette announced:

    “UP! UP! WITH THE FLAG… The Cornet Band have volunteered their services… A Salute will be fired… We hope that every man, woman and child within ten miles of this village will attend.” [Glen Cove...berty Pole], [studyres.com]

🎤 Community & Political Significance

  • The keynote speaker was Judge Elias J. Beach, a prominent local Democrat and staunch supporter of the Union cause, despite the presence of copperhead sentiment in the North. [Glen Cove...berty Pole], [studyres.com]

  • Company E of the 15th NY State Militia, known as the “Hamilton Rifles,” participated in the ceremony. [Glen Cove...berty Pole]

📌 Location & Memorialization

  • The original pole stood in what is now a traffic island at Cottage Row & School Street. A historical marker was installed in 1967 by the City of Glen Cove, commemorating the Civil War–era event. [hmdb.org]

  • Currently, the site is referred to locally as “Vinnie’s Island.” [Glen Cove...berty Pole], [studyres.com]

🏛️ Later Recognition

Summary

Originally erected to express community solidarity with the Union just after the Civil War began, Glen Cove’s Liberty Pole became a lasting symbol of patriotic conviction. Its location, marked and preserved, continues to honor that heritage and the town's historical role.

Dino DiPietro