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 William Jasper, a brave soldier from the American Revolutionary War. The monument stands tall in Madison Square and was finished in 1888. It was designed by Alexander Doyle.
Contents
William Jasper's Story
William Jasper was a sergeant in the Continental Army. This was the main army for the American colonies during the American Revolutionary War. He became famous for his bravery in 1776.
Battle of Sullivan's Island
During the Battle of Sullivan's Island, a flagpole holding his company's flag was broken. The flag fell down. Jasper bravely climbed a wall under enemy fire. He put the flag back up. For this brave act, he was praised by John Rutledge. Rutledge was the President of South Carolina at that time.
Death in Savannah
Later, William Jasper was sadly killed in battle. This happened during the siege of Savannah on October 9, 1779. A siege is when an army surrounds a city to try and take control of it.
About the Monument
The monument honoring William Jasper was officially opened on February 2, 1888. It is located in Madison Square in Savannah, Georgia. The statue was designed by Alexander Doyle. It shows Jasper during the siege of Savannah.
Dedication Ceremony
Many important people from Savannah helped create the monument. The city's mayor and other leaders were at the dedication. The Governor of Georgia, John Brown Gordon, gave a speech.
The President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, and his wife, Frances Cleveland, were special guests. President Cleveland stopped in Savannah on his way to Florida. He honored the event by driving through the city.
In 1957, a Georgia historical marker was placed near the monument. This marker gives information about the monument's history.
Monument Design
The statue of Jasper is made of bronze. 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. He holds a sword in his right hand. Near his feet, you can see his hat, which has bullet holes in it.
Special Carvings
There are three bas-reliefs on the monument's base. Bas-reliefs are carvings that stick out slightly from a flat surface. These carvings show different scenes from Jasper's life. The whole monument is about 15.5 feet (4.7 m) tall.
Inscription
An important message is carved on the front of the monument's base. 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.
This message tells us that Jasper was badly hurt but still saved his regiment's flag. It also says that his bravery, as an Irish-American soldier, is still remembered. He gave his life for freedom.
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a William Jasper para niños
