Dalhousie Obelisk

Dalhousie Obelisk was built in 1850 to commemorate the visit of Lord James Andrew, also known as Lord Dalhousie, the Governor of India (1845-1856).  At that time, Singapore was under the British East India Company. His visit was anticipated by the local community as he could improve the poor conditions of the port city in terms of amenities and settlement administration. 

Dalhousie Obelisk was also built as a reminder to traders the benefits of free trade. It was designed by John Turnbull Thomson, the Government Surveyor. His design is similar to the Cleopatra’s needle, an ancient Egyptian artefact that was built to commemorate Pharoah Thutmosis III 30 years of rule.

                       

Cleopatra's Needle                                Dalhousie Obelisk

At the base of Dalhousie Obelisk, there are four commemorative plates written in English, Chinese, Malay (written in Jawi) and Tamil. 

          

Commemorative plate written in English

Initially, the Dalhousie Obelisk was located at where Merlion Park used to be, at the mouth of the Singapore River. However, due to the construction of Anderson Bridge and Connaught Drive, it was relocated twice before it is placed at its current location at Empress Place since 1891. 

Did you know?

Connaught Drive was formerly known as New Esplanade Road. In 1907, it was renamed to its present name to commemorate Queen Victoria's son, Prince Arthur, The Duke of Connaught, and his wife's visit in 1906.