Stanford White was an influential American architect born on November 9, 1853, in New York City. He was a prominent figure in the Beaux-Arts architectural style and is best known for his work on iconic buildings such as the Washington Square Arch and the New York City Madison Square Garden. White was a founding partner of the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, which played a significant role in shaping American architecture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tragically, Stanford White's life was cut short when he was murdered on June 25, 1906, by Harry K. Thaw, a wealthy socialite. The crime was fueled by a scandalous love affair involving White and Thaw's wife, Evelyn Nesbit. White's legacy endures through his architectural contributions, which continue to influence modern design and are celebrated for their elegance and grandeur.