A Monumental Mistake

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, May 15, 2008

1. A Monumental Mistake Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

These four sculptures were donated by art collector Henry Walters for the interior of the park facing the Washington Monument. The statuaries, made by French sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye, depict a man and a boy accompanied by various animals. The sculptures were commissioned originally as six scenes to showcase the American Ideals set forth by our founding fathers. War, Peace, Force and Order symbolize the foundation on which this country was built. Freedom and Equality, the remaining two depictions, were broken in the casting process and discarded.

📞 410 523 8094

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Patriots & Patriotism.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 17.858′ N, 76° 36.917′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in Mount Vernon. Marker was at the intersection of Washington Place and Mount Vernon Place, on the right when traveling north on Washington Place. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America.

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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. Celebrating Culture: The Heart of the City / Contributing to Society: Baltimore's Best Address (here, next to this marker); Welcome to the Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place (here, next to this marker); Mount Vernon Cultural District (a few steps from this marker); Contributing to Society: Baltimore's Best Address (a few steps from this marker); Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church (a few steps from this marker); Francis Scott Key (a few steps from this marker); Asbury House (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Monument (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Additional commentary.
1. Beyond the Compass, Beyond the Square: Mapping History
This "historical marker" was one of seven installed by Maryland Institute College of Art sophomore Daniel Allende as part of the 2008 exhibit Beyond the Compass,
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, May 15, 2008

2. The marker and statue of "Force"
Beyond the Square. While marker text has some basis in truth, exaggerations become quickly apparent when one takes the time to read the text. In addition to the insight the marker provides about the history of Mount Vernon Square, it also helps to illustrate how often historical markers are taken for granted, almost unseen, and how they could say most anything, yet still be unnoticed.

— Submitted June 4, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,033 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.