Broadside Announcement From The Washington National Monument Society

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2018

Broadside, 12” x 19”, titled “TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES”, Washington, by C.W. Fenton, [ca. 1848, VG. Description of the design of the Washington National Monument, with an announcement from the Washington National Monument Society that construction has commenced with the laying of the cornerstone on July 4, 1848. Though the importance of memorializing George Washington had been recognized shortly after his death (Samuel Blodgett's broadside of 1801 aimed to accomplish the very same), it was during the 100th-year anniversary of his birth that gave renewed impetus to the attempts of the American people to celebrate his life and accomplishments. Inspired by his loyalty, patriotism, and selfless leadership during and after the Revolutionary War, concerned citizens gathered in 1833 and formed the Washington National Monument Society, the sole purpose of which was to erect a fitting monument in Washington's name. By 1836, Richard Mills had been chosen as the architect; but under heavy criticism of the design as well as the estimated cost, the project halted until 1848, when President Zachary Taylor laid the first cornerstone and construction finally began. By 1854 donations ceased and the project was once again stalled, and it was not until 1884 that Washington saw its monument complete. The present broadside describes the proposed monument in great detail, giving exact specifications for all its measurements and edifices: "This Design embraces the idea of a grand circular colonnaded building 250 feet in diameter, and 100 feet high, from which springs an obelisk shaft 70 feet at the base and 500 feet high, making a total elevation of 600 feet....In the centre of the Monument is placed the tomb of Washington, to receive his remains, should they be removed thither, the descent to which is by a broad flight of steps lighted by the same light which illumines his statue." Washington remained buried at Mount Vernon even after the Monument was finished. A handsome document describing the grand memorial to our Founding Father.

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