Cleopatra's Needle

The Cleopatra's Needle in New York City

One may wonder what could it be that she was sewing, by using this needle?

Do not go too far in your imagination!

The nickname of the obelisk is a misnomer. The obelisk has no connection with Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt. It was already over one thousand, five hundred years old in her lifetime. (The obelisk was erected 1600 B.C. whereas Cleopatra was born 69 B.C.)
The obelisk was presented by Khedive of Egypt to the city of New York. It was erected, where it is now, on February 22, 1881
The gift is said to be gratitude for the United States, for remaining a friendly neutral, as the European powers – France and Britain – maneuvered to secure political control of the Egyptian Government.