Abraham Lincoln (relief by Schwarz) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abraham Lincoln commemorative plaque |
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| Artist | Rudolph Schwarz (sculptor) and Marie Stewart (designer) |
| Year | 1906 |
| Type | bronze plaque set in limestone |
| Dimensions | 170 cm × 89 cm (65 in × 35 in) |
| Location | Indianapolis, IN |
| 39°46′2.71″N 86°9′54.48″W / 39.7674194°N 86.1651333°W | |
| Owner | State of Indiana |
The Abraham Lincoln commemorative plaque is a special piece of public art. It was designed by Marie Stewart in 1906. A sculptor named Rudolph Schwarz then created it. The plaque was officially shown to the public on February 12, 1907.
This bronze plaque is placed in a limestone base. You can find it in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. It stands near the Indiana Government Center South. This is at the corner of West Washington and South Missouri Streets. Marie Stewart was a high school student in Indianapolis. She won a city-wide contest to design this plaque. The contest was held to remember Lincoln's visit to Indianapolis. He visited on February 11, 1861. Lincoln was on his way to Washington D.C. to become president.
The bronze plaque shows a picture of Lincoln's face. This is called a relief and it's in the middle. On the left side, you can see the U.S. Capitol building. On the right side, there is a log cabin. The plaque also has words carved into it. These words are from a speech Lincoln gave in Indianapolis. The stone base of the plaque looks rough. But one corner has a fancy carved Corinthian column.
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What Does the Plaque Look Like?
The plaque is shaped like a rectangle. It is made of bronze. It measures about 65 inches tall and 37 inches wide. This plaque is set into a large, rough limestone base. The base is about 89 inches tall and 54 inches wide.
The top part of the plaque has a relief (a raised carving). In the center, there is a round shape called a medallion. Inside the medallion, you see a carving of Abraham Lincoln's face. He does not have a beard in this picture. On the left side of the plaque, there is a carving of the U.S. Capitol building. On the right side, you can see a tree and a log cabin. A large palm leaf carving is below Lincoln's face. There is also a shield with an eagle design on the left side.
The log cabin reminds us of Lincoln's childhood home. He grew up in southern Indiana. The Capitol building shows his future as president. Lincoln's face on the plaque looks towards the Capitol.
The bottom part of the plaque has a famous quote. It is written in raised capital letters:
Here Feb 11 1861 Abraham Lincoln on his way to Washington to assume the Presidency in an address said: "I appeal to you to constantly bear in mind that not with politicians not with presidents not with office seekers but with you is the question: Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this country be preserved to the latest generations?"
The limestone base is mostly rough. But the southeast corner is different. It has a carved Corinthian column and a fancy top part. This makes the base look like one solid piece. The plaque is held onto the base with four large bolts. Experts checked the monument in 1992. They said it was in good condition.
History of the Plaque
In 1906, a group called the Commercial Club of Indianapolis held a contest. It was for students in the city. They wanted a design for a plaque. This plaque would remember President-elect Lincoln's visit. He came to Indianapolis on February 11, 1861. Lincoln was traveling by train from his home in Springfield, Illinois. He was going to Washington, D.C. to become president. He stayed overnight in Indianapolis.
Marie Stewart, a high school student, won the design contest. A sculptor named Rudolf Schwarz then made the bronze plaque. It was officially put in place in 1907.
Where Has It Been?
The plaque was first put up at the Claypool Hotel. This hotel was where the Bates House used to be. That was at the corner of Illinois and Washington Streets. Lincoln stayed at the Bates House during his 1861 visit. He even spoke to a crowd from one of the hotel balconies. Lincoln told Americans to keep the country united. But the American Civil War started just two months later. The plaque was put at the hotel on February 12, 1907.
The Claypool Hotel was torn down in 1969. So, the plaque was moved. A new base was designed by Benno Schum. The plaque was then placed further west. This was near the corner of Washington and Missouri Streets. Lincoln had given a speech near this spot when he arrived in Indianapolis. The plaque has a quote from his speech. It was put in its new spot on February 12, 1971.
The monument was moved again in 1988. This was because a new state office building was being built. It was put back in 1991. This was after the Indiana Government Center South was finished. Today, the plaque is on the south side of that building. It is still near West Washington and South Missouri Streets.
Who Made the Plaque?
Marie Stewart was a student at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis. She won the city-wide contest to design the plaque.
The sculptor who made the bronze plaque was Rudolf Schwarz. He was born in Vienna, Austria. He came to Indianapolis in 1897. Schwarz also created other important sculptures. He made the stone carvings at the bottom of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. This is in Indianapolis's Monument Circle. He also made the bronze statue for the Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton monument. This is on the east side of the Indiana Statehouse. Schwarz also made sculptures for Civil War memorials in other Indiana counties.
When the plaque was moved in 1971, Benno Schum made its new base.
