Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument
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December 2010 photo
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Corner of State Street and Congress Street, Portland, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | Francis H. Fassett, Franklin Simmons |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000580 |
| Added to NRHP | April 5, 1990 |
The Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument is a special public statue in Portland, Maine. It is located in the city's West End area. This monument honors Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a very famous poet. He was born in Portland in 1807. The area around the monument, where State and Congress Street meet, is known as Longfellow Square.
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What the Longfellow Monument Looks Like
The Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument stands in a triangular area. This spot is at the corner of Congress and State Streets in downtown Portland. A large office building, One Longfellow Plaza, is right next to it.
The monument features a bronze statue of Longfellow. He is shown sitting down, looking like he did when he was older. The statue sits on a strong granite base. This base is about 10 feet (3 meters) tall. It has carvings on two sides. These carvings show fancy decorations like swags and garlands. They frame the name "LONGFELLOW". Above these carvings, there is a decorative band with designs of flowers and vines.
The bronze statue itself is about 7 feet (2 meters) tall. Longfellow is seated in a chair with lion's heads on its arms. A stack of books is placed underneath the chair. He wears an overcoat, and a cape is draped over his lap and one shoulder. One of his hands holds a manuscript, which is a handwritten book or paper. His other hand rests on the chair's back. Longfellow appears to be looking at the people walking by.
History of the Longfellow Monument
The design and building of the monument began in 1885. This was three years after the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow passed away. Franklin Simmons was the artist who created the statue. The granite base was designed by Francis H. Fassett.
The monument was officially revealed to the public on September 29, 1888. This monument is considered one of the most important works by Franklin Simmons. In April 1990, the monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a historically important site.
Gallery
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Longfellow Square on a postcard in 1906.
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The Longfellow Monument in December 2010.
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The Longfellow Monument in December 2010.
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Longfellow Square illuminated for the 2018 holiday season. Longfellow Monument is at right.
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow para niños
