Washington Square West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Freedom is a Light
For Which Many Men Have Died in Darkness
Photographed By William Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
1. Freedom is a Light Monument
Monument consist of Statue of George Washington, Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, and the Eternal Flame.
In unmarked graves within this square lie thousands of unknown soldiers of Washington’s Army who died of wounds and sickness during the Revolutionary War.
“The independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings and success.” —Washington’s farewell address Sept. 17, 1796
Erected 1954 by Fairmount Park Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 17, 1796.
Location. 39° 56.826′ N, 75° 9.163′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Washington Square West. Marker can be reached from Walnut and 7th Streets. Monument is in Washington Square Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. U.S.S. Forrestal (CVT-59) (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. John F. Kennedy (CU-67)
this page online
More about this marker. This monument is also known as the George Washington Sculpture and the Revolutionary War Memorial.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other Washington Square markers.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 15, 2010
2. George Washington
"Copied from the original [marble] by [Jean Antoine] Houdon in the State Capital at Richmond by special permission of the General Assembly of Virginia." "Par Houdon Citroyen francais 1786. In memory of John McIlhenny."
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
3. Eternal Flame
The Eternal Flame dedicated in 1976 by Continental Bank in memory of those who fought and gave their lives so that we might celebrate our 200th anniversary as a free people.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
4. Tomb of Unknown Soldier
soldier of Washington's Army
who died to give you liberty.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
5. Monument, Flag Court and Fountain in Washington Square
Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 15, 2010
6. Tablet Set Into the Pavement in Front of Monument
“This monument together with the Court of Flags, the Fountain and the Colonial Wall surrounding the Square were made possible by the generosity of many interested business firms and individual frieds of Washington Square. Dedicated June 28, 1957.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 15, 2010
7. Revolutionary War Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,215 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 10, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on May 15, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 10, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 6, 7. submitted on May 15, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
