William Jasper Monument facts for kids
William Jasper Monument (2018)
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| Location | Madison Square, Savannah, Georgia, United States |
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| Designer | Alexander Doyle |
| Material | Bronze Granite (pedestal) |
| Height | 15.5 feet (4.7 m) |
| Dedicated to | William Jasper |
The William Jasper Monument is a special statue in Savannah, Georgia, United States. It honors a brave soldier named William Jasper. You can find this monument in Madison Square. A famous artist named Alexander Doyle designed it, and it was officially opened in 1888.
Contents
The Story of William Jasper
William Jasper was a brave soldier during the American Revolutionary War. He was part of the Continental Army. He became famous in 1776 during the Battle of Sullivan's Island.
Jasper's Heroic Act
During the battle, the flagpole holding his company's flag was broken. The flag fell down. Under heavy enemy fire, Jasper bravely climbed a wall (called a parapet) to reattach the flag. This act of courage made him a hero.
Honored for Bravery
After his brave deed, John Rutledge, who was like the governor of South Carolina at the time, praised Jasper. Sadly, William Jasper was later killed in battle. This happened during the siege of Savannah on October 9, 1779.
Building the Monument
On February 2, 1888, the monument honoring William Jasper was officially opened. It stands in Madison Square in Savannah, Georgia. The monument was designed by Alexander Doyle. It shows Jasper during the siege of Savannah.
Who Helped Create It?
Many important people from Savannah helped make the monument. This included William Kehoe, who was from Ireland. The mayor of Savannah and other city leaders were there for the dedication.
Special Guests at the Opening
Georgia Governor John Brown Gordon gave a speech at the event. The President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, and the First Lady of the United States, Frances Cleveland, were also special guests. President Cleveland stopped in Savannah on his way to Jacksonville, Florida. He honored the occasion by driving through the city.
A Historical Marker
Later, in 1957, a special sign was placed near the monument. This Georgia historical marker tells more about the history of the area.
What the Monument Looks Like
The monument has a bronze statue of William Jasper. It stands on a granite base, called a pedestal. Jasper is shown in a heroic pose. He holds the Moultrie Flag above his head with his left hand. In his right hand, he holds a sword.
Details of the Statue
Near his feet, you can see his hat, which has bullet holes in it. The base of the monument has three bas-reliefs. These are carvings that show important scenes from Jasper's life. The entire monument is about 15.5 feet (4.7 meters) tall.
The Inscription
On the front of the monument's base, there is a message. It says:
To the memory of Sergeant William Jasper, who, though mortally wounded, rescued the colors of his regiment, in the assault on the British lines about the city, October 9, 1779. A century has not dimmed the glory of the Irish-American soldier whose last tribute to civil liberty was his life. 1779–1879. Erected by the Jasper Monument Association.
Images for kids
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William Jasper Monument (2018)
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a William Jasper para niños
