Peter Francisco Monument, Newark

The Peter Francisco Monument in Newark is a notable tribute to an American Revolutionary War hero, situated in the historically rich Ironbound neighborhood. Established in 1966 and located just outside Newark Penn Station, Peter Francisco Park serves as a significant urban space in the bustling area known as the Five Corners. This park is not only a nexus of community activity but also a memorial ground featuring several monuments, including the notable Peter Francisco Monument.

Peter Francisco, born in Portugal on July 7, 1760, and died on January 16, 1831, was celebrated for his valiant contributions during the American Revolutionary War, earning him the nickname "The Hercules of American Independence." In recognition of his heroics, the Portuguese American community rallied over a decade to fund the creation of a monument in his honor. Unveiled on June 27, 1976, during the bicentennial celebrations of the United States, the monument features a 12-foot granite obelisk set on a square base, engraved with inscriptions that commemorate Francisco's legacy.

In addition to the Peter Francisco Monument, the park is home to other significant memorials. The Ironbound Immigrants Memorial Monument, established in 2018, honors the diverse immigrant groups that have shaped the neighborhood's unique cultural landscape. Meanwhile, a granite stele erected in 1974 serves as a war memorial dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives.