Center City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors
1934
J. Otto Schweizer (1863-1955)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 19, 2022
1. All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors Marker
A torch of life, flanked by four American eagles, crowns this bronze and granite monument to Black Soldiers and Sailors who served and died in America's wards. Between the soldiers and sailors stands a figure of Justice. On the back of the monument, female figures represent principles for which conflicts were waged: (left to right) War, Liberty, Peace, and Plenty.
In 1927 African-American State Representative Samuel Beecher Hart sponsored the bill that led the Pennsylvania legislature to commission this monument. A tribute to Black war heroes, the monument was originally relegated to a remote location in Fairmount Park due to racist attitudes at the time. The Committee to Relocated the All Wars Memorial lobbied elected officials until it was moved, after six decades to its current prominent location in November 1994.
Erected by Museum Without Walls. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Government & Politics • Military. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1994.
Location.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 19, 2022
2. All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors Marker
The memorial can be seen in the background.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors (here, next to this marker); Aero Memorial Pillar (within shouting distance of this marker); Aero Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 1914-1918 Tribute Trees (within shouting distance of this marker); The Franklin National Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Free Library of Philadelphia (within shouting distance of this marker); The Franklin Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); Logan Square (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Additional keywords. racism; Jim Crow era
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 48 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
