New York poised to place Harriet Tubman in US Capitol

ALBANY, New York — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s lifelong obsession with Harriet Tubman is propelling an effort to place a statue of the 19th century abolitionist in the U.S. Capitol.

The push to put Tubman’s marble likeness in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall is also being backed by both the state Senate and Assembly, which support the governor’s plan to swap out a statue of founding father Robert Livingston.

There are 100 statues in Statuary Hall — two for each state. The planned switch to Tubman would be the first change in one of New York’s spots since the likenesses of Livingston and George Clinton were shipped to Washington in the 1870s.

Hochul has been as big a booster of Tubman as anybody. Last year, she told a group of elementary school students about her childhood fascination with the Union Army spy.

“When I was in third grade, I had this one favorite book. It was called ‘The Story of Harriet Tubman,’” Hochul said. “It was a book I used to check out of the library all the time. I didn’t own it. I checked it out so much, the librarian one day said, ‘Why don’t you just keep it?’ And what I’d do is, late at night, my parents said, ‘Turn the lights out,’ it was dark in my room, I crept out of bed and I’d go grab that book. And I read it over and over and over because I could not get over how courageous she was.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul poses by a statue of Harriet Tubman in Auburn, New York.

Seventeen statutes have been removed from Statuary Hall since 2003, most of whom were Confederates or their sympathizers. Democrats in the House have twice passed a bill in recent years to ban such statues. And while this has yet to win approval from the Senate, other efforts to remove sculptures that have faced criticism have been successful — including North Carolina’s Republican-backed push to replace segregationist Charles Brantley Aycock with Billy Graham last year.

Hochul has made at least four official visits to Tubman’s historic home in Auburn since she became lieutenant governor a decade ago. She renamed one of the boats the state uses on the Erie Canal after Tubman in 2022. And she announced in 2023 that the state would spend $400,000 to add a Tubman statute to Binghamton — which is set to be unveiled this Friday.

Livingston spent 24 years as New York’s first chancellor — a post that made him the top judge in the state, but which also had some powers currently held by the governor. His tenure overlapped with a stint as the first American to hold the job that evolved into secretary of state. He later served as Thomas Jefferson’s ambassador to France and negotiated the Louisiana Purchase.

But his historical standing has been marred by the fact that he owned more than a dozen slaves.

A replica of the Robert Livingston statue is seen in the New York State Capitol.

Livingston was never a consensus choice for a statue. As the Legislature began debating the honorees in 1872, steamboat inventor Robert Fulton seemed like the early frontrunner to join Clinton.

Hochul’s proposal, which was buried in her budget and has since been included in both chamber’s one-house budget bills, would create a five-member commission tasked with selecting a Tubman statute. The governor would then be tasked with working with the Architect of the Capitol to finalize plans.

“One of the architects of the Underground Railroad, one of the folks who has redefined who we are as a human,” said Sen. Jamaal Bailey — who’s sponsoring a bill to make Harriet Tubman Day a state holiday — about why the abolitionist is deserving of the historical honor.

“From a human perspective, not just a Black perspective — and I think it’s great, as a Black person in New York state, for her to have this recognition — I think it’s very important for us to do,” Bailey said.

While Livingston might be removed from Washington, his likeness will live on. Two exact replicas were made when his statue was finalized in 1875. One of them still stands prominently at the western end of the state Senate’s lobby in New York’s Capitol building.

Topics

New York poised to place Harriet Tubman in US Capitol

Gov. Kathy Hochul has been a Tubman fan since elementary school.
Politico - 4d
Fellow Democrats tear into Eric Adams on Capitol Hill

The New York mayor faced attacks from the left and center — and praise from Republicans.
Politico - Mar. 5
US Capitol Police chief retiring in May

U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger is retiring in early May after serving more than four decades in law enforcement. Manger, who was hired after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, ...
The Hill - Mar. 11
The 10 most expensive places in the U.S. to start a new business, report finds

California and New York's high costs of living make them expensive for new business owners, according to a recent ranking from an online small business advisor.
CNBC - 5d
The US is poised to use terror laws against students. This could be worse than McCarthyism | Thomas Anthony Durkin and Bernard Harcourt

A new 7 October 2023 taskforce says it’ll investigate support for Hamas, paving the way for a legal strategy targeting free speech. On Monday, the Department of Justice announced the launch of ...
The Guardian - 4d
Canadiens: Showdown In New York

Before embarking on a four-game road trip to close out the month, the Montreal Canadiens are making a short stop in New York to take on the Islanders for the third and final time this season, each ...
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Texas army base poised to become mass deportation hub under Trump plan

Reports of Fort Bliss being used for detention as well as expulsion purposes spark outrage from critics. The huge US army base of Fort Bliss at the Texas-Mexico border is poised to become a ...
The Guardian - Mar. 8
TP ICAP targets New York listing for data unit

Move marks latest setback for London’s stock market as investors hunt higher valuations in US
Financial Times - Mar. 11
Man charged in US Capitol attack announces run for Senate in Florida

Jake Lang, charged with attacking police during riot and pardoned by Trump, seeks to fill seat Marco Rubio’s old seat. US politics live – latest updates A man accused of battling police with a ...
The Guardian - Mar. 18
2025 NFL free agents who should benefit most from new scenery: Davante Adams with Rams, plus 7 other key names

Which veterans are poised to make a leap in their new homes?
CBS Sports - Mar. 14
New York Giants attend Louisville pro day

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen was in attendance at Louisville's pro day, featuring QB Tyler Shough, on Tuesday.
Yahoo Sports - 3h
New York Signs Olivia Knowles As Blueline Injuries Mount

The New York Sirens are facing some banged up players on their blueline.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
New York Jets CB Brandon Stephens: 'It's a blessing to be here'

Recently-signed by the New York Jets to a three-year deal in NFL free agency, Brandon Stephens expresses his gratitude for being welcomed to New York.
Yahoo Sports - 6h
New York Giants signing DT Jeremiah Ledbetter

The New York Giants are signing DT Jeremiah Ledbetter to a one-year deal worth $1.775 million with incentives that can stretch the deal to $2 million.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15
New York Giants continue to languish in 'quarterback hell'

Ex-New York Giants GM Dave Gettleman feared "QB hell" and through his decisions and Joe Schoen's, that exactly where the franchise languishes.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17
Trump funding cuts will ‘kneecap’ US innovation, universities warn

Academic institutions have frozen new hires and limited PhD places
Financial Times - 6d
Trump administration delays New York congestion pricing deadline

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the MTA are facing down a new federal deadline to end congestion pricing in NYC.
CBS News - 5d
New York Giants host QB Joe Flacco on free agent visit

The New York Giants hosted veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in East Rutherford on Thursday for a free agent visit.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13
Philadelphia Eagles signing ex-New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms with former New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
New York Giants re-signing offensive lineman Aaron Stinnie

The New York Giants have agreed to terms with OL Aaron Stinnie, who will return to East Rutherford for a second season.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Report: New York Giants growing 'frustrated' with QB Aaron Rodgers

The New York Giants were trying to be patient with veteran QB Aaron Rodgers but are now reportedly growing "frustrated" with his indecision.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
New York Giants' Chauncey Golston has no position preference: 'Prefer to be on the field'

Chauncey Golston doesn't care what role the New York Giants have in store for him so long as he's on the field.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Philadelphia Eagles sign ex-New York Giants LB Patrick Johnson

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms with former New York Giants linebacker Patrick Johnson.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15
NFL analyst: New York Giants are 'a quarterback away' from competing

One NFL analyst believes the New York Giants are just a quarterback away from becoming serious playoff contenders.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16
Man set on fire in New York City's Times Square

New York City authorities are searching for the person who set a man on fire in Times Square on Sunday morning.
NBC News - Mar. 16
Report: Aaron Rodgers has 'standing offer' from New York Giants

Free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers reportedly has a "standing offer" from both the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17
Russell Wilson 'ready to sign' if New York Giants come calling

Free agent QB Russell Wilson is reportedly ready and willing to sign with the New York Giants if they come calling.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17
New York Giants are one of NFL's biggest free agency spenders

Through the first wave of free agency, the New York Giants are one of the NFL's biggest spenders.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17
New York Giants will host QB Jameis Winston on a free agent visit

The New York Giants will host veteran QB Jameis Winston for a free agent visit in East Rutherford on Tuesday.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17
The Unlikely Friendship That Saved Lucy’s, a Homey New York Tavern

When Lucy’s, a homey New York tavern, closed down and underwent a renovation, some longtime patrons feared the worst.
The New York Times - Mar. 18
New York woman pleads guilty to mailing drug-soaked documents to prisons

A New York woman pleaded guilty on Tuesday to mailing drug-soaked documents to correctional facilities, according to federal prosecutors.
ABC News - Mar. 18
New York Giants' reps busy on the Pro Day circuit

Representatives from the New York Giants were in attendance at several college pro days earlier this week.
Yahoo Sports - 5d
New York Giants are signing WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey to one-year deal

The New York Giants have agreed to terms with veteran wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
New York Giants agree to terms with Jameis Winston: Social media reacts

The New York Giants have agreed to terms with veteran QB Jameis Winston and the social media reaction was largely mixed and humorous.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
New York Giants signing WR Zach Pascal to one-year deal

The New York Giants are signing veteran wide receiver Zach Pascal to a one-year deal.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
New York Giants named a 'logical destination' for QB Joe Milton III

As they continue their pursuit for quarterbacks, the New York Giants have been named a "logical option" for Joe Milton III.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
NFL analyst: New York Giants are 'stuck in struggle mode'

The New York Giants are "stuck in struggle mode" with the third-worst record in the NFL since 2015, says one NFL analyst.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
New York Giants continue to wait on long shot Aaron Rodgers

The New York Giants are a longshot to land veteran QB Aaron Rodgers but that hasn't stopped them from playing the waiting game.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Report: Pittsburgh Steelers expect Aaron Rodgers to meet with New York Giants

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly expect veteran QB Aaron Rodgers to have a meeting with the New York Giants.
Yahoo Sports - 11h

More in Politics

Senate confirms Trump's nominee to run NIH

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed health researcher Jay Bhattacharya as the next leader of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya was confirmed on a party line vote, 53 to 47. ...
The Hill - 18m
Senate confirms Trump's nominee to run NIH

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed health researcher Jay Bhattacharya as the next leader of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya was confirmed on a party line vote, 53 to 47. ...
The Hill - 18m
Trump takes aim at Fed

Welcome to The Hill's Business & Economy newsletter {beacon} Business & Economy Business & Economy The Big Story Trump eyes Fed as tariffs, inflation collide President Trump is zeroing in on the ...
The Hill - 21m
Trump takes aim at Fed

Welcome to The Hill's Business & Economy newsletter {beacon} Business & Economy Business & Economy The Big Story Trump eyes Fed as tariffs, inflation collide President Trump is zeroing in on the ...
The Hill - 21m
Schiff, Ricketts introduce bill targeting group they say was involved in Oct. 7 attack

Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced a bill on Tuesday targeting a group they said was involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel for sanctions. The Accountability ...
The Hill - 25m