Southwest Federal Center in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bartholdi Fountain
United States Botanic Garden
The Bartholdi Fountain was created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi (1834 - 1904), the French sculptor who also designed the Statue of Liberty. It was first exhibited in Philadelphia at the International Exposition of 1876. The fountain was purchased by the U.S. Congress in 1877 for six thousand dollars and placed on the Botanic Garden grounds, then situated in the corner of the Mall. Moved to its present location in 1932, the Bartholdi Fountain was restored in 1986.
The fountain, intended to be an allegorical representation of Water and Light, is designed in three identical sections with classical forms and symbols. Turtle like aquatic monsters and large shells surround the base. The pedestal holds three sea nymphs rising on their toes. Fish spout water form between their feet. The nymphs seem to hold the large basin, which is actually supported by the central column. Above the basin three youthful tritons playfully hold out seaweed. Water spills from a crown at the very top into the upper basin, while jets shoot from the mouths of the fish and turtles.
The cast iron fountain weighs 40 tons and is 30 feet high. It was first lit by 12 gas lamps. These lamps were replaced by battery powered electric lights in 1881, making the fountain of the first nighttime attractions in the city. The lights surrounding the large basin were added in 1886, and the fountain was completely electrified in 1915.
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. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 53.232′ N, 77° 0.748′ W. Marker was in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It was in Southwest Federal Center. Marker was on 1st Street Southwest south of Independence Avenue Southwest, on the right when traveling south. The marker is in Barholdi Park in the triangle formed by Washington Avenue Southwest, Independence Avenue Southwest and 1st Street Southwest. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 224 1st Street Southwest, Washington DC 20024, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Welcome to a Sustainable Landscape (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Bartholdi Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); 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 Historic Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); Capitol Square, SW (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 719 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on November 26, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 29, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.