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| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic) |
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Orpheus
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By Tom Fuchs, November 6, 2006 | |
| | | 1. Orpheus Marker | | |
Inscription. The heroic bronze figure in front of you is not, as many suppose, a likeness of Francis Scott Key. The statue represents Orpheus, the artful poet, musician, and singer of Greek Mythology.
In 1914 Congress appropriated funds for a monument at Fort McHenry to mark the centennial of the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the defense of Baltimore. Orpheus with the Awkward Foot, the creation of sculptor Charles H. Niehaus, was selected from thirty four designs submitted in a national competition.
Orpheus is depicted playing a lyre, and stands twenty-four feet from head to toe. The marble base bears a medallion honoring Francis Scott Key, flanked by a procession of allegorical figures. The pedestal contains a time capsule filled with documents of patriotic and historical interest. In 1962 the statue was moved here from its original site near the fort's principal entrance.
(photo caption) President | | | | 
By Tom Fuchs, November 6, 2006 | |
| | | 2. Orpheus with the Awkward Foot by Charles H. Niehaus | | |
Warren G. Harding headed the list of dignitaries at the unveiling ceremonies on June 14, 1922. The speech he delivered here was the first by a U.S. President to be broadcast on coast-to-coast radio.
Marker series. This marker is included in the Markers Attached to Sculpture, and the Maryland, Fort McHenry marker series.
Location. 39° 15.858′ N, 76° 34.933′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. Marker is on East Fort Avenue. Click for map. Marker and statue are in Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21230, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Remember 1814 (about 600 feet away, in a direct line); Mortars vs. Guns (about 600 feet away); British Bomb (about 600 feet away); Armistead (about 600 feet away); Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine (about 700 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Baltimore.
Regarding Orpheus. | | | | 
By Tom Fuchs, November 6, 2006 | |
| | | 3. Orpheus with the Awkward Foot by Charles H. Niehaus | | |
Statue was dedicated in 1922 to Francis Scott Key and the soldiers and sailors who took part in the Battle of North Point and the defense of the fort during the War of 1812.
Also see . . . Charles Henry Niehaus (1855–1935). (Submitted on November 22, 2006.)
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By Tom Fuchs, November 6, 2006 | |
| | | 4. Detail On Base of Statue | | |
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By Bill Coughlin, August 15, 2008 | |
| | | 5. Francis Scott Key Medallion, on the base of the monument. | | To Francis Scott Key author of the Star Spangled Banner and to the soldiers and sailors who took part in the Battle of North Point and the defense of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. | | |
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| Credits. This page originally submitted on November 22, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,722 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 22, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 5. submitted on August 22, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page. | | Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print |
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