Fresno in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
David of Sassoon
Epic Folk Hero of the Armenians
— ՍԱՍՈԻՆՑԻ ԴԱվիԹ —
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
1. David of Sassoon Marker
[Upper Marker:]
the County of Fresno
by the People of Armenian Descent
of the San Joaquin Valley
August 11, 1970
Varaz Samuelian, Sculptor
[Lower Marker:]
David of Sassoon is the legendary folk-hero of the Armenians, who rid their land of foreign conquerors single-handedly. It is an epic based on historical events dating back to the Seventh Century A.D. Troubadours, poets and sculptors have immortalized him, for it gives eloquent expression to man's undying love of freedom, and justice for all. This statue, by Varaz Samuelian of Fresno represents a thousand Davids in a thousand lands where throughout all of history man has sought to sustain his freedom against overwhelming odds.
The base of which the statue stands has been designed to tell the story of the Armenian lands and people. It depicts their alphabet, their churches, their art and culture, and their history which dates back to 782 B.C. when the capitol city of Yerevan was founded.
This gift from the Armenians to the County of Fresno is made with their profound gratitude to this land which received them in their darkest hours, and provided them with the opportunity to be reborn.
Erected 1970 by David of Sassoon Association
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.
Location. 36° 44.173′ N, 119° 47.257′ W. Marker is in Fresno, California, in Fresno County. Marker is at the intersection of Tulare Street and M Street, on the right when traveling west on Tulare Street. Monument is at the east corner of the county courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fresno CA 93721, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Purple Heart Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fresno (about 400 feet away); Honoring the Ex-Braceros and Their Contributions (about 500 feet away); Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (about 500 feet away); William Saroyan (about 600 feet away); Fresno County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); Lao Hmong American War Memorial (about 600 feet away); Via Liberation (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fresno.
Regarding David of Sassoon. The two-and-a-half ton copper statue representing justice and freedom depicts Armenian folk hero, David, astride his rearing horse, Jalai. Symbols of Armenian cultural history are carved in the base. The sculptor was born in Yerevan, Armenia and came to Fresno in 1957. [From Historical
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
2. David of Sassoon Marker
Also see . . .
1. The Daredevils of Sasun (Sasna Tsrer). Columbia University website entry (Submitted on May 18, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Historical Fresno County Courthouse Park Walking Tour. Fresno County Office of Tourism PDF (Submitted on March 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By Mandy Kirby, January 20, 2019
3. David of Sassoon Marker
Photographed By Mandy Kirby, January 20, 2019
4. David of Sassoon Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
5. David of Sassoon Monument
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
6. Detail on David of Sassoon Monument
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
7. Detail on David of Sassoon Monument
[English reads] "Thru power of the Lord Argishti built Erebuni-Yerevan 782 BC."
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
8. David of Sassoon Monument Profile
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,354 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on January 20, 2019, by Mandy Kirby of Clovis, California. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on March 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
