Tyler Davidson Fountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Tyler Davidson Fountain
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Nicknames: "The Lady", "The Cincinnati Angel"
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5th St., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
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| Area | 1.2 acres (0.49 ha) |
| Built | 1871 |
| Architect | Von Miller, Ferdinand; et al. |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001854 |
| Added to NRHP | October 11, 1979 |
The Tyler Davidson Fountain, also known as The Genius of Water, is a famous statue and fountain in Cincinnati, Ohio. Many people see it as a symbol of the city. It's also one of the most popular places to visit in the area.
The fountain was first shown to the public in 1871. It stands in the middle of Fountain Square, a paved area at 5th and Vine Streets in downtown Cincinnati. This square is surrounded by shops, hotels, restaurants, and offices. For over 130 years, the fountain was in the center of 5th Street.
In 2006, Fountain Square was updated, and the fountain was moved temporarily. When it was put back, it was placed in a wider spot closer to the north side of the square. This new location is near the Fifth Third Bank Building and away from busy street traffic. Every year, the fountain is turned off for the winter. It is turned back on in time for the first home game of the Major League Baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds.
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What the Fountain Looks Like
This impressive fountain stands about 43 feet (13 meters) tall. It is made from bronze metal and rests on a green granite base. On the base, you can read the words "To the People of Cincinnati."
The fountain's main idea is to celebrate water. This is important for Cincinnati, a city that relies on the Ohio River. The main figure is called the Genius of Water. She is a large female statue, about 9 feet tall and weighing 2 tons. She pours water from her outstretched fingers, like rain.
Carvings on the Pedestal
The square base, called a pedestal, has four carvings that show different ways people use water. These carvings are called basso-relievo, which means they are slightly raised from the surface.
- Steam Power: One carving shows workers using a large hammer powered by a steam engine.
- Water Power: Another carving shows farmers carrying corn to a mill that uses water to grind it.
- Navigation: A third carving features a steamboat leaving the shore, with people waving goodbye.
- Fishing: The last carving shows groups of fishermen and children enjoying the water.
Figures Around the Shaft
From the center of the pedestal, a tall shaft rises. It has vines and leaves at the top. Around this shaft are four groups of figures:
- On the north side, a worker is on a burning roof, asking for water to put out the fire.
- On the south side, a farmer stands in a dry field, praying for rain. The Genius of Water gently sprays water on these two groups.
- On the west side, a young girl offers water to an old man using crutches.
- On the east side, a mother leads her young son to a bath.
Drinking Fountains
Four figures with animals are placed around the outside of the fountain. These figures show the fun parts of water. They also serve as working drinking fountains for people passing by. These figures are of young boys: one riding a dolphin, another playing with ducks, a third struggling with a snake, and the fourth riding on the back of a turtle.
The entire fountain is made from about 24 tons of bronze, which was bought from the Danish government. It also includes about 85 tons of granite.
How the Fountain Came to Be
After his business partner, Tyler Davidson, passed away, a Cincinnati businessman named Henry Probasco wanted to create a special memorial. He traveled to Munich, Germany, to find the right design. Years before, artists August von Kreling and Ferdinand von Miller had designed a fountain. They wanted it to be as grand as other European fountains but celebrate people instead of mythical creatures.
When they couldn't find someone to pay for it, the design was put aside. But then Probasco came along, looking for something similar. He asked for four extra figures with animals to be added as drinking fountains. Miller's sons, Ferdinand and Fritz, designed these. A small model of the original design is now at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
The fountain was made in separate parts at the foundry and then shipped to Cincinnati. Probasco asked the City of Cincinnati to clear away an old market along 5th Street. In its place, a wide walkway was built, designed by architect William Tinsley. This walkway made the fountain easy to see.
Ferdinand von Miller traveled to Cincinnati for the dedication ceremony on October 6, 1871. It's believed that 20,000 people were there to see it. Miller and Von Kreling became quite famous in the city.
Changes Over Time
The fountain first faced east, towards Europe, where many of Cincinnati's residents had come from. In 1969, when Fountain Square was redesigned, the fountain was turned to face west. This was because 5th Street became a one-way street heading east, allowing drivers to see the front of the statue.
In 2005, the city decided to move the entire fountain to the center of Fountain Square as part of a big update. During this renovation, the fountain was displayed at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
Fountain Square officially reopened on October 14, 2006. There was a big celebration with music, food, and fireworks. Today, the fountain is still a popular spot for many events in Cincinnati, like movie nights, game shows, and an ice rink in the winter.
The fountain is also famous for appearing in the opening credits of the old TV show WKRP in Cincinnati. It can also be seen in the opening of the paranormal investigation series Ghost Adventures.
See also
