Riley Plaza

Plaza Location 

Riley PlazaRiley Plaza

The plaza is named in the honor of John P. Riley (of 3 Warner Street) who served in the Navy during the Spanish-American War and is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was born on January 22nd, 1877 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. On July 10th, 1897 at the age of 20, he enlisted in the Navy and later served as a Landsmen on the USS Nashville.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery on May 11th, 1898, when he was ordered to cut the enemy's communication cable leading from Cienfuego, Cuba. His citation reads: “Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Riley displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout the action.” He would later receive an honorable discharge on January 30th, 1899, with the rank of Ordinary Seaman.

The plaza was dedicated in his honor on June 7th, 1959. 

Riley Plaza