Broadway History: Father Duffy Square
Every single day, thousands of people pass through Times Square. Tourists flock to take pictures on the gigantic red steps that sit over the TKTS booth. Even though the north end of Times Square is a well-known part of the iconic American landmark, not many people know it has its' own name: Father Duffy Square. Even fewer know the historic significance behind the name. So whether you're a history nerd, obsessed with all things NYC (like me), or if you just enjoy being the know-it-all on your family vacation; buckle up for this short little history lesson!
Father Duffy was a chaplain and officer in a New York infantry regiment of the United States Army known as the Fighting 69th. He is best known for his service in France on the Western front in World War I. Father Duffy was a celebrated war hero and is one of the most highly decorated chaplains in US Army history. When his time in the military came to an end, he returned to Manhattan to serve as the Pastor of Holy Cross Church in Hell's Kitchen until he passed away.
Images by Bryan Berrios
On May 2, 1937, Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia had a bronze statue and granite monument installed in the northern triangle of Times Square to honor the life of Father Francis Patrick Duffy. The square sits between Broadway and 7th avenue and spans from West 45th street to West 47th street. In 1939, Mayor LaGuardia signed a law that officially renamed the area Father Duffy Square. The square was added to the National Register of Historic places in 2001.
My favorite memory in Duffy Square was when I took part in The Ghostlight Project on January 19, 2017. I stood on the big red steps in a crowd of hundreds with my Aladdin family, other Broadway casts and theater professionals. We all pledged to accept everyone just as they are, love others, and do our best to be lights in this too-dark world. It was an incredible, emotional, and moving experience. I have never loved the Broadway community more.
