Why was the beautiful structure not made permanent?
The Worth Monument, in the centre of the triangular piece of ground bounded by Fifth Avenue, Broadway, Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Streets, dates from 1857.

By order of the Common Council the plot was set apart for the erection of the shaft in December, 1854.

Major-General William J.Worth, of Mexican War fame, died at San Antonio, Texas, June 7, 1849.

The monument was dedicated with a parade and a review November 25, 1857, and the General's remains interred under the south side.

In bands around the obelisk are recorded the names of the battles in which Worth took part.