Richard Varick (March 15, 1753 – July 30, 1831) was an American lawyer, military officer, and politician who has been referred to as "The Forgotten Founding Father." A major figure in the development of post-Independence New York City and State, Varick became the 45th Mayor of New York City in 1789 and served eleven consecutive one-year terms until 1801. Varick was a founder of the Society of the Cincinnati and the American Bible Society. He was also a longtime trustee of Columbia University, where he was chairman of the board from 1810 - 1816.