Stephen Whitney, the "Cotton King"






During the openhousenewyork weekend, I visited one of the Green-Wood mausoleums belonging to Stephen Whitney, a cotton speculator. I have always been curious to see the inside of this Gothic architectural-style structure, which looks like a stone cottage. However, it didn't look anything like I had imagined, which was a cozy living room with a fireplace. Instead, I found it captivating due to the symbolism on the crypt covers. Stephen Whitney was reported to be the second richest man in the world at the time of his death in 1860, yet he was known for not spending his wealth. In honor of him, his heirs built this octagonal-shaped mausoleum.

Comments