Southwest Federal Center in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bartholdi Fountain
The Fountain of Light and Water was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, PA. The namesake of Bartholdi Park is best known for designing the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World) installed on Liberty Island in New York, NY. The U.S. Congress purchased the cast-iron fountain in 1877 and placed it with the original U.S. Botanic Garden where the Capitol Reflecting Pool is located today. It was moved to its present site in 1932. The original gas lamps were converted to electricity in 1881, making the fountain a major attraction. The design features turtle-like aquatic beasts and large shells around the base, three sea nymphs and fish on the pedestal, and three youthful Tritons holding seaweed just under the top crown. The fountain stands 30 feet (9m) tall and weighs more than 15 tons (13,600 kg).
Erected by United States Botanic Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 38° 53.231′ N, 77° 0.773′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Southwest Federal Center. Marker is at the intersection of Washington
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Historic Landscape (a few steps from this marker); Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to a Sustainable Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Capitol Square, SW (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
Also see . . . Bartholdi Park. (Submitted on November 22, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
