Fairmount Park in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
James A. Garfield Monument
1895
— Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907) —
Following the 1881 assassination of President James A. Garfield, the Fairmount Park Art Association commissioned a memorial in his honor. Prominent artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens was chosen to create the work, located across the street, to your right. Initially, a standing figure on a pedestal was expected, but the artist decided on a bronze bust of Garfield above a female figure representing America. She holds a palm branch, sword and shield, symbols of Garfield, a soldier, statesman and martyr for his country. A granite base was designed by architect Stanford White, who also helped choose the site.
The monument was unveiled in 1896 in an elaborate and festive evening ceremony that included Philadelphia's first illuminated pageant with electric and calcium lights.
Erected by Museum Without Walls. (Marker Number 30.)
Topics and series. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #20 James A. Garfield series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 39° 58.428′ N, 75° 11.448′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Fairmount Park.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Central Terrace (within shouting distance of this marker); North Terrace (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); South Terrace (about 500 feet away); Morton McMichael (about 600 feet away); Girard Avenue Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Caribbean flamingo (approx. ¼ mile away); Plastic-free Sea (approx. ¼ mile away); Welcome back! (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the monument. • Can you help?
