Robert Emmet (Connor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert Emmet |
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| Artist | Jerome Connor |
| Year | 1916 |
| Type | Bronze |
| Dimensions | 210 cm × 97 cm × 58 cm (82 in × 38 in × 23 in) |
| Location | Washington, D.C. (1916); San Francisco (1919); Dublin; Emmetsburg, Iowa |
| 38°54′50″N 77°03′10″W / 38.913889°N 77.052778°W | |
| Owner | Smithsonian Institution |
The Robert Emmet statue is a bronze sculpture created by Jerome Connor. It honors Robert Emmet, an important Irish patriot. What's cool is that there isn't just one of these statues! There are four copies located in different places around the world.
You can find these statues in Washington, D.C., Dublin (Ireland), San Francisco (USA), and Emmetsburg, Iowa (USA). Each statue helps people remember Robert Emmet and his fight for freedom.
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About the Robert Emmet Statue
The first of these statues was cast, or made, in 1916. The one in Washington, D.C., was officially unveiled on June 28, 1917. It was later rededicated on April 22, 1966. This particular statue was a gift to the Smithsonian Institution and is looked after by the National Park Service. The statue in San Francisco was dedicated a bit later, on July 20, 1919.
Who Was Robert Emmet?
Robert Emmet (1778–1803) was an Irish leader who believed strongly in Ireland's independence. He wanted Ireland to be a free country, just like the United States. He is remembered as a hero who fought for his country's rights. The statues were created to keep his memory and his message alive for future generations.
The Artist: Jerome Connor
The person who created these powerful statues was Jerome Connor. He was an Irish-American sculptor known for his realistic and emotional works. Connor made sure that the statue of Robert Emmet captured the spirit and determination of the patriot.
What the Statue Says
Each statue has special words carved into its base. These words come from a famous speech Robert Emmet gave on September 19, 1803. They tell us about his hopes and dreams for Ireland.
Emmet's Powerful Words
On the front of the stone base, you'll see:
- Robert Emmet
- Irish Patriot
- 1778–1803
- "Lidia-saon-eine" (This is an Irish phrase, meaning "Free Ireland")
On a plaque at the back of the base, there's a longer quote from Emmet's speech. It says: "I WISHED TO PROCURE FOR MY COUNTRY THE GUARANTEE WHICH WASHINGTON PROCURED FOR AMERICA. I HAVE PARTED FROM EVERYTHING THAT WAS DEAR TO ME IN THIS LIFE FOR MY COUNTRY'S CAUSE. WHEN MY COUNTRY TAKES HER PLACE AMONG THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH, THEN, AND NOT TILL THEN LET MY EPITAPH BE WRITTEN."
This means that Emmet wanted Ireland to have the same freedom and independence that George Washington helped America achieve. He gave up everything for his country. He also said that his story and legacy should only be fully told once Ireland was a free and recognized nation among others. These words show his deep love for Ireland and his vision for its future.
