Statue of Christopher Columbus (Providence, Rhode Island) facts for kids
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Columbus
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | Providence, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1893 |
| Architect | Frederic Auguste Bartholdi |
| Part of | Elmwood Historic District (ID80004603) |
| MPS | Outdoor Sculpture of Rhode Island |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000468 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 19, 2001 |
| Designated CP | January 7, 1980 |
The Columbus statue is a famous artwork that used to stand in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. It was located in Columbus Square for many years. This statue is made of bronze, but it's actually a copy of an earlier statue made from shiny silver.
The original silver statue was created by the Gorham Manufacturing Company in Rhode Island. They made it for a big event called the 1892 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The silver statue was just for showing off the company's amazing skills. It was later melted down. The bronze version was given to the City of Providence in 1893. It was made by a famous artist named Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. The statue was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. In 2020, the City of Providence decided to move it from Columbus Square.
Contents
The Story of the Columbus Statue
How the Statue Was Made
The bronze statue of Columbus was made in 1893 by the Gorham Manufacturing Company. They asked a very talented sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi, to design it. Bartholdi is also famous for designing the Statue of Liberty.
The bronze statue is a copy of an earlier statue made of sterling silver. This silver statue was created for the 1892 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Gorham wanted to show how good they were at making things. So, they asked Bartholdi to create a statue of Columbus.
The model for the statue was sent across the Atlantic Ocean. It was then cast using 30,000 ounces of silver in Providence, Rhode Island. Making the statue was a special event. Guests watched as the silver was poured. After it was finished, Gorham took the statue to Chicago by train. It was a big hit at the exposition. It showed everyone how skilled Gorham's workers were. After the exposition, the silver statue was brought back to Providence. It was then melted down. A silver statue wasn't practical for being outside forever.
The Bronze Copy and Its Dedication
In 1893, the Gorham company made a bronze copy of the Columbus statue. They gave it as a gift to the City of Providence. This gift came from the Elmwood Association, a local community group. We know that Bartholdi visited Newport, Rhode Island in 1893. But it's not clear if he helped make the bronze copy.
The statue was officially revealed on November 8, 1893. This happened at 2:30 p.m. Professor Alonzo Williams presented the statue to the city. Mayor Potter accepted it for Providence. The Reeves American Band played music. They even performed a song called "Columbus." Reverend H. W. Rugg gave a speech. A group of children led everyone in singing "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."
The spot where the statue stood was originally given to the Town of Cranston in 1824. Cranston then gave it to Providence in 1868. In 1893, it was renamed Columbus Park. The statue was often a central point for Columbus Day celebrations. People would gather there for speeches. For example, in 1939, the mayor and other city leaders attended an event there.
Why the Statue Was Removed
In June 2020, the Columbus statue was moved from Columbus Square. This happened because Mayor Jorge Elorza gave the order. Many statues were being moved across the United States at that time. This was happening because of public discussions about historical figures. When the statue was moved, many people from the neighborhood came to watch. They cheered as it was taken away. The city has not said where the statue is being kept. They also haven't said what will happen to it next.
How the Statue Looks
The bronze statue shows Christopher Columbus standing. It is about 6.6 feet (2.0 m) tall. It is also about 4.5 feet (1.4 m) wide and deep. This means it is larger than a real person. It stands on a simple square base made of grey granite. The base is about 5.25 feet (1.60 m) tall and 5.33 feet (1.62 m) wide.
Columbus looks like he is taking a step forward. His left foot is lifting off the base. In his left hand, he holds a globe. His right arm is raised, and his finger is pointing. It looks like he is giving an order or has just spotted land. Columbus wears a short tunic. He has a wide belt around his waist. Another belt holds a sword at his hip. A short, full cloak flows around him. He also wears a hat with a brim. There is a coil of rope at his feet.
The front of the square base has the word "Columbus" carved into it. The right side says "1492." The left side says "1893." The statue is in good condition overall. It has some very small cracks. Also, the ends of the bronze decorations are missing. The base is also in good shape. Only some small chips on its lower edge have been noticed.
Why the Statue Is Important
The Columbus statue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is considered important for two main reasons. First, it shows the amazing work of the Gorham Manufacturing Company. They were known for making large statues. Second, it is a great example of Auguste Bartholdi's artistic work. Even though it's a copy of the silver statue, it's still seen as a masterpiece.
People have said that the statue shows "life and vigor." They also say it has "great beauty." One expert, James Wilson Pierce, even said the original silver statue was better than all other Christopher Columbus sculptures in the United States. The bronze Columbus statue was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 19, 2001.
Images for kids
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The Columbus statue in its original location.
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Columbus Square after the statue was moved.
