Times Square in New York City is home to a wide variety of attractions, including the famed lights, the giant billboards, and the live entertainment. But tucked away in the heart of this bustling center are something that often goes unnoticed—four mysterious columns. These columns have been standing in the middle of Times Square for decades, but no one seems to know why they are there or what their purpose is.
The columns are made of marble and are approximately 20 feet tall. Each column is topped with a large capital letter, spelling out the word “T-I-M-E”. That’s right, these columns spell out the word “TIME”. The four columns are spaced out equidistantly, right in the middle of Times Square, clearly visible to all who pass by.
There are several theories as to why these columns were erected in Times Square. The first is that they are simply a reminder to everyone who visits the area that time is of the essence. The hustle and bustle of Times Square can make it easy to forget that time is always ticking, and the columns serve as a poignant visual reminder.
Another theory is that the columns are actually a tribute to the founder of the Times Square area, Alfred Ochs. Ochs was a German immigrant who bought a bankrupt newspaper in 1896 and turned it into the New York Times. He ran the paper until 1935, when his son-in-law, Arthur Hays Sulzberger, took over. Ochs is credited with transforming Times Square from a rundown area of questionable repute into the world-famous attraction it is today.
The third theory is that the columns are a tribute to the historic Times Building, which was located in the center of Times Square. The building was built in 1904 and was the headquarters of the New York Times until it was replaced in the 1960s by the new Times Tower. The columns may be a reminder to everyone who visits Times Square of the historic building that once stood there.
The last theory is that the columns are a reminder of the New Year’s Eve celebrations that Times Square is known for. Every year, millions of people gather in Times Square to watch the ball drop and ring in the new year. The columns may be a reminder to the crowds that time is fleeting and to make the most of each moment.
Whatever the true reason for their presence, the columns of Times Square remain a mystery. They are a reminder to all who visit the area to appreciate the time they have been given and to make the most of it.
