William Washington Gordon Monument facts for kids
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William Washington Gordon Monument (2013)
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| Location | Wright Square, Savannah, Georgia, United States |
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| Designer | Henry Van Brunt Frank M. Howe |
| Material | Granite Marble |
| Height | 47 feet (14 m) |
| Dedicated to | William Washington Gordon |
The William Washington Gordon Monument is a special public statue in Savannah, Georgia, United States. It stands in Wright Square. This monument honors William Washington Gordon, who was an important businessman and politician. The monument was designed by Henry Van Brunt and Frank M. Howe. It was finished in 1883.
Contents
A Look at William Washington Gordon
William Washington Gordon was a very important person in the mid-1800s. He was a leader in the railroad industry, sometimes called a "railroad baron." This means he helped build and run many railroads. He founded and was the first president of the Central of Georgia Railway. This railway helped connect different parts of Georgia.
Gordon was also the grandfather of Juliette Gordon Low. She is famous for starting the Girl Scouts of the USA. William Washington Gordon passed away in 1842 when he was 46 years old.
Building the Monument
Years after Gordon's death, people wanted to honor him in Savannah. So, in 1883, they started to build this monument. The money for it came from the Central of Georgia Railway, the company Gordon helped create.
Tomochichi's Original Burial Place
Before Gordon's monument was built, Wright Square was home to something else important. It was the burial place of Tomochichi. He was a chief of the Yamacraw people. Chief Tomochichi was a good friend to the first European settlers in Savannah. He helped them a lot.
When Tomochichi died in 1739, he was buried in the center of Wright Square. A pile of rocks marked his grave. To make space for the new Gordon monument, Tomochichi's body was carefully moved. It was reburied in the southeast corner of the same square.
Remembering Tomochichi
Later, Nellie Gordon, who was William Washington Gordon's daughter-in-law, worked to make sure Tomochichi was also remembered. She helped get a new monument built for Chief Tomochichi. This second monument was put up in 1899.
Who Designed It?
The William Washington Gordon Monument was designed by two skilled architects. Their names were Henry Van Brunt and Frank M. Howe. In 1958, a special sign called a Georgia historical marker was placed in the square. It tells more about the monument and the history of the area.
What the Monument Looks Like
The monument is made of strong materials like granite and marble. It has a base, called a pedestal, made of granite. On top of this pedestal are four tall marble columns. Between these columns, there is a decorative urn. At the very top of the monument, you can see a globe.
One side of the monument has a cool carving. It shows a train crossing a trestle bridge. This reminds everyone of Gordon's work with railroads. Other sides of the monument have words carved into them. These words tell about William Washington Gordon's life and his important work. They also explain that the monument was built to remember him.
See also
- 1883 in art
