James Garfield Memorial, Philadelphia facts for kids
 |
|
| Coordinates | 39°58′26″N 75°11′26″W / 39.9739°N 75.1905°W |
|---|---|
| Designer | Sculptor: Augustus Saint-Gaudens Architect: Stanford White |
| Material | Sculpture: bronze Base: granite |
| Height | Bust: 3.6 ft (1.1 m) Base: 17 ft (5.2 m) |
| Beginning date | Commissioned: 1885 Cast: 1895 |
| City of Philadelphia Fairmount Park Commission |
|
The James Garfield Memorial is a special monument in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It honors James A. Garfield, who was the 20th President of the United States.
This memorial was created by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Architect Stanford White also helped design it. The monument was finished in 1896. You can find it in Fairmount Park, right next to Kelly Drive and near the Girard Avenue Bridge.
Contents
History of the Garfield Memorial
Why Was This Monument Built?
President James A. Garfield was shot on July 2, 1881, in Washington, D.C.. He sadly passed away from his injuries on September 19 of that same year.
Soon after his death, a group called the Fairmount Park Art Association started collecting money. They wanted to build a monument in Philadelphia to remember President Garfield.
Designing and Building the Monument
The Association chose Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1889 to design this important artwork. He was a very well-known sculptor. The monument was cast, meaning it was shaped from melted metal, in 1895.
The Dedication Ceremony
The monument was officially dedicated on May 30, 1896. The Mayor of Philadelphia at the time, Charles F. Warwick, led the ceremony. It was a big event! There were parades and even a flotilla, which is a group of boats, on the Schuylkill River.
The James Garfield Memorial is one of many outdoor sculptures in Philadelphia. You can learn more about it through the "Museum Without Walls: AUDIO™" program. This program shares stories about the city's public art.
What the Monument Looks Like
The James Garfield Memorial has two main parts: a large figure and a bust of President Garfield.
The Figure of America
At the base of the monument, there is a large bronze statue of a woman. She is meant to represent America. She looks young, strong, and dignified. In her hand, she holds a sword and a palm branch. These items symbolize different parts of Garfield's life. She also holds a shield with his name on it.
The Bust of President Garfield
Above the figure of America, you'll see a large bust of President Garfield. A bust is a sculpture that shows only the head and shoulders. This bust sits on top of four square granite pillars.
The Pedestal
The main part of the monument's base is called the pedestal. It is made of pink Milford granite. The style of the pedestal is inspired by ancient Greek architecture.
Inscriptions on the Monument
Inscriptions are words or symbols carved into a monument. They often tell us who made the artwork or who it honors.
Here are some of the inscriptions you can find on the James Garfield Memorial:
- A. ST GAUDENS '95: This shows that Augustus Saint-Gaudens created the sculpture in 1895.
- Cast by the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co., NY 1895: This tells us which company made the bronze parts of the monument.
- E PLVRIBVS VNVM: This Latin phrase means "Out of many, one." It's a traditional motto of the United States.
- JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD PRESIDENT OF THE VNITED STATES: This clearly states who the monument honors.
- MDCCC LXXXI: These are Roman numerals for the year 1881, the year President Garfield died.
- MDCCCXXXI: This is 1831, the year President Garfield was born.
- MDCCCXCB: This is 1896, the year the monument was dedicated.
You can also find a plaque from the Fairmount Park Art Association on the lower front of the monument's base.
