Maymont in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Bald Eagles
Our National Symbol
If the Second Continental Congress had put you in charge of choosing an animal to represent America, what would you have chosen? A grizzly bear? A bison? What qualities would it have? Beauty? Intelligence?
Some people disagreed with the decision to put the eagle on our great seal. For example, in a letter to his daughter, Ben Franklin famously suggested that the wild turkey was a much braver and nobler bird.
However, what Congress saw in the eagle in 1782 is what many admire today: great strength, long life and majestic features. The only eagle found exclusively in North America, the bald eagle represents everything we love about this land. Its fierce independence and freedom of spirit inspire us, a reminder of limitless opportunities ahead.
Erected by Maymont Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1782.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 37° 32.105′ N, 77° 28.885′ W. Marker was in Richmond, Virginia. It was in Maymont. It could be reached from Park
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Central Virginia. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: River & Canal (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Maymont, Gilded Age Estate (approx. 0.2 miles away); James & Sallie Dooley (approx. 0.2 miles away); Maymont Farm (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Estate (approx. Ό mile away); Japanese Garden (approx. Ό mile away); A Stately Home (approx.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Bald Eagles (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on July 1, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
