3-052-580 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Removal of another obelisk from Alexandria, for transport to New York, 1880. '1. Obelisk erect, with lowering-gear attached. 2. Lowering of Obelisk. 3. Obelisk horizontal, resting on stack of wood. 4. Launch of raft with Obelisk. 5. Raft with Obelisk, off harbour of Alexandria. At the time that "Cleopatra's Needle" was brought from Egypt to the banks of the Thames, the companion obelisk remained at Alexandria, where it had been 2000 years. It has since been applied for by the United States Government for the purpose of being erected in Central Park, New York...The next thing was to transport the huge obelisk; and Mr. Vanderbilt, a prominent American citizen, offered to devote £15,000 to the purpose. In the latter part of last year Commander Gorringe, of the United States Navy, commenced operations. The Illustrations we publish show the methods adopted for lowering and removing the huge monolith. These have occupied nearly five months...The only thing now remaining to be effected is to ship the massive relic of Thotmes on board the steamer which has been purchased for the purpose, and send it to the New World. We are indebted to Mr. Charles Royle, of Alexandria, for the sketches we have engraved'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.