[2] The designated area includes the Stonewall Inn, the 0.19-acre (8,300 sq ft; 770 m2) Christopher Park, and nearby streets including Christopher Street, the site of the Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969, widely regarded as the start of the modern LGBT rights movement in the United States.

[5][6]: 37  After a subsequent large population increase in the early 19th century, the buildings on Christopher Street were dense with people.

Architect Philip Winslow planted new greenery and replaced the park's benches, walkways, light fixtures, and gates.

[5][12] The statue consists of four white figures (two standing men and two seated women) positioned in "natural, easy" poses.

"[13] Meanwhile, across the street, the Stonewall Inn had changed hands many times from 1969 to the 1990s, finally resuming the role of a gay bar by the 1990s.

When the listing was designated on June 29, 1999, it included the Stonewall Inn building, Christopher Park, and nearby streets.

[21] The designation prompted Greenwich Village residents to lobby for the inn and the adjacent park to be labeled a national monument.

[22] Some members of Manhattan Community Board 2 wrote a letter to the National Park Service (NPS) to request such a status for the Stonewall site.

[26] The dedication ceremony was attended by New York City mayor Bill de Blasio; Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell; and the Stonewall Inn's owners.

The National Park Foundation formed a new nonprofit organization to raise $2 million[31] in funds for a ranger station, visitor center, community activities, and interpretive exhibits for the monument.

Pride Live began negotiating with the owner of the property at 51 Christopher Street in 2019;[34][35] that building included a vacant storefront that had formerly been part of the inn.

[34][38] Pride Live raised $3.2 million for its construction and development and plans to operate the center in cooperation with the NPS.