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Naval History and Heritage Command

NH 63189 Cleopatra's needle

Cleopatra's needle
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Title: Cleopatra's needle
Caption: The obelisk, called "Cleopatra's Needle," weighing 220 tons, and standing 69 feet high being placed in a hole opened in the bow of DESSOUG. The obelisk was transported to the U.S. by Lieutenant Commander Henry H. Gorringe. It was a gift of Ismaii, Khedive of Egypt to the United States. Lieutenant Commander Gorringe reached Alexandria, Egypt, on 21 October 1879. There he purchased a vessel, DESSOUG, opened a hole in her bow, put the obelisk in, and after a long sea voyage and land passage, elevated it in Central Park, New York City, on 22 January 1881. For the newspaper accounts concerning this obelisk, see the back of this mount card as well as NH 63188. For the entire story, see Smith, Harold F., "Cleopatra's Needle Comes to New York," American History Illustrated, (October 1967), PP. 13-17.
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Catalog #: NH 63189
Copyright Owner: Naval History and Heritage Command
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Original Medium: BW Photo
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