[2] The intersection at which it stands was previously a barren traffic island, and is now known as "Harriet Tubman Triangle".

[1][3] As part of its redevelopment, the traffic island was landscaped with plants native to New York and to Tubman's home state of Maryland, representing the land which she and her Underground Railroad passengers travelled across.

[3] The memorial is a 13-foot (4.0 m) bronze and Chinese granite portrait sculpture, and was created by sculptor Alison Saar.

[2][4] Among those present at the unveiling ceremony were Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture curator Christopher Moore, and Congressman Charles Rangel.

The base of the statue features illustrations representing moments from Tubman's life, alternated with traditional quilting symbols.