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Explore > National Monument to the Forefathers > Story Archives
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Forefathers monument
Submitted by Irene, West of Boston
The first time I saw this, I was awestruck. I since have brought family members and visitors from other states. It is a calm and peaceful area, not overrun with touristy trinkets. It's seclusion gives one the feeling, upon coming upon it, of finding a diamond in the rough, or a pearl in their oyster. Plus, the lawyer's finger has been broken off - ironic, since the traditional punishment for thievery was the loss of a finger.
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The greatest monument overlooking Plymouth, MA, is itself the greatest overlooked monument!
Submitted by Stacy, South Shore
“Faith” and I go way back. I most likely first met “Faith” (the central figure of the five statues) in 1934. My memory of her probably goes back to about 1939. Each summer my mother would drive up to Plymouth from Chester County, PA, to visit her maternal cousins who resided in Plymouth. Her mother had been born and raised almost directly across from Pilgrim Hall. In 1893 her mother had had married a Philadelphian and moved to Philadelphia. By the time I was born her maternal grandparents were dead so we stayed with an unmarried cousin at 8 Cushman Street, just down the hill from the monument. As soon as I was old enough, each morning I would walk up to visit “Faith.” I last visited her with my son Joe in 2005. Over the years the surrounding grounds seemed to look shabbier and shabbier and I could see that the bas relief panels on the monument were losing their detail due to weather and vandalism. In 2006 work was done to better protect them. As you will read below, more work is necessary. Our Pilgrim ancestors kept the faith. Please read the following from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and help them to help us to keep this “Faith.”
Stacy B. C. Wood, Jr.
PS Be sure to visit her when you are in Plymouth. There is no admission charge!
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National Monument to the Forefathers
Submitted by kathy, South Shore
Being a "neighbor" of the Forefathers Monument for close to 50 years now, I see the need for restoration. It's location in a residential area makes it "out of the way"--not on the "main drag" as a lot of historical places are. So please vote. It is a beautiful, inspirational monument.
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National Monument to our Forefathers
Submitted by bettyann, South Shore
As a tour guide company here in Plymouth I can tell you that this monument is the best surprised and most impressive attraction. I have studied this monument for 15 years and pride myself in being a "reader" of the eintire monument. It's depictions touch everyone live who listens and views this majestic monument to the true Forefathers of our nation and the ideal they held most dear. The preservation of this monument is vital to keeping the 1600's and the Pilgrim story alive. I urge everyone to take sa shor trip to Plymouth and see this for yourself....the "best kept secret in America". The staff at the information center on the waterfront will be more than glad to assist you in finding this gem. Those who have heard the stories all agree that this must be preserved. Thank you and V
OTE
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National Monument to the Forefathers
Submitted by SHARK, South Shore
This beautiful work of art is in need of extensive repairs along with enhancements of the grounds that surround it.. One of the most viewed public attractions in Plymouth, Massachusetts, (America's Home Town") , visitors are continuously concerned about its future and state of disrepair.
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Save Our Faith
Submitted by Mad Dog, South Shore
The Monument is in desperate need of repair and restoration. It's important from a historical perspective, as well as an artistic wonder.
Facts about the National Monument to the Forefathers;
It's the largest Granite sculpture in America.
The Architect/ Artist also did the illustrations for Louisa May Alcott's Little Women" and a variety of other importan buildings, etc.
Abraham Lincoln was just one of the many who donated to the original project.
While the Monument is dedicated to the Pilgrim Forefathers, It has been an important symbol to abolishionists, immigrants and all believers in fundamental
American Rights and Freedoms.
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A Monument of Inspiration
Submitted by SLH, South Shore
The name, the National Monument to the Forefathers, is misleading. The monument was created by local citizens and the beautiful grounds are maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Completed in 1888, sea air and time have taken their toll on the 81 foot high monument. DCR does not have the money to make the much needed repairs to the monument and we are in danger of seeing it fall to ruin.
The monument was commissioned by group of local citizens who formed the Pilgrim Society and established the first museum in the country. In 1824, Mr. Bradford, a descendant of William Bradford, the first governor of Plimoth Plantation, offered the first donation to kick off the fundraising campaign for the monument. On the main pedestal stands the heroic figure of "Faith", who looks out over Plymouth Harbor and across the ocean to England. On the four buttresses figures emblematic of the principles upon which the Pilgrims founded their Commonwealth: Freedom, Morality, Law and Education. By supporting the Forefather’s monument we not only honor the Pilgrims and their legacy, we honor the citizens of Massachusetts who 175 years ago began a grassroots project that took 65 years to complete! Why did they want to build such a monument? So that this message, invoked this prayer at the celebration of the completion of the monument in 1889, would inspire future generations:
“May this monument, as it shall stand here by day and by night, in storm and in sunshine, speak of devotion to truth and fidelity to conviction. May it prove a beacon to warn against the approach of the spirit of despotism, civil or religious, and an encouragement to devotion to truth and right. Let it inspire all whose eyes shall rest upon it, now and hereafter, with a hatred of tyranny and a love of freedom and peace, a desire for that wisdom which is the product of education, a respect for law tempered by justice and mercy, and a reverence for morality and religion. May it help us and succeeding generations to treasure and transmit the rich legacy of civil and religious liberty bequeathed to us by the Pilgrim Fathers.”
Please vote for the National Monument to the Forefathers and keep the message alive!
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National Monument to the Forefathers
Submitted by Curt, West of Boston
Over forty years ago, my first summer job was being a Pilgrim Guide at the National Monument tot he Forefathers. This, sometimes forgotten, gem in Plymouth is a beautiful tribute to our Forefathers and their story of strength, bravery, and faith. Please support maintaining this monument and the beautiful surrounding area for years to come.
Thank you.
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Forefathers Monument
Submitted by Patti, South Shore
I grew up down the street from the Forefathers Monument and am a lifelong Plymouth resident. This monument is a lesser known, but equally historic, part of our town's heritage and is dire need of necessary (and well deserved) restoration. The Forefathers Monument is a stately and majestic granite reminder of what our country's forefathers sacrificed in order to give us the many freedoms that we so often take for granted. This monument sits high atop one of Plymouth's oldest streets and can be seen from many different points in Plymouth----one need not actually "visit" the monument in order to view it--you can just drive down one of many nearby streets and see its beauty. The Plymouth Forefathers Monument is to Plymouth what the Statue of Liberty is to the people of New York-- a visual reminder of what our country stands for. For all that our forefathers gave for us, we owe it to them to manintain this beautiful tribute. I truly hope that funds will be directed towards restoring "The Monument." Thank you.
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Best kept secret.
Submitted by Bill, South Shore
I beleive that the Forefathers Monument is more inspiring than the Mayflower because it is in a wonderful site that is very inspiring to the visitor, no dissapointment when you see it like the Rock.
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Traveled all 50 states
Submitted by ren, South Shore
I have been in every state in this beautiful country . Seeing the remains of the Arizona at Pearl Harbour brought tears to my eyes I believe every state has beauty and things to treasure. The Forefathers Monument in Plymouth Ma is with out a doubt to me the most beautiful site of all . Everything we have today started years ago with these people whose names are on this monument May we always remember and cherish this wonderful statue that stands so tall
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Classical in its proportion and effect
Submitted by JanA, South Shore
Like the public art of Europe, this monument has, like no other in New England, the power to take your breath away with its sheer size and classical beauty. It is the hidden jewel of Plymouth, reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. When I first spotted the large figure looming behind the North side of Plymouth center, I thought it was a beautiful dream. The site upon which it stands are proportionally large and open, great for running, picnics, or just sitting and contemplating how this wonderful piece of art ended up in Massachusetts. The base of the monument is made up of a series of bas relief tableaus and smaller statues. The Forefathers' Monument is a state and national treasure that needs to be restored and treated with the respect such a work deserves. It is the largest granite monument in the United States and symbolically depicts the founding of our country. It also has the scope and power to stop your heart. It is a gift of history and we should take care of it.
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A Beacon
Submitted by spm, South Shore
The figure of "Faith" on top of this monument is very visible when one is out on the water in Plymouth Harbor, rising above the trees. As a frequent boater in the area, I've always felt like she is looking after me and calling me home - the sight of this monument always makes me feel as if I'm being safely guided in to port.
I never realized that this was a state owned site. We should all try to vote to help get some of these private funds to help restore her, because there are not alot of public dollars to go around.
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National Monument to the Forefathers
Submitted by WSP, Boston
About five years ago I was told of the "other" Plymouth site that I just had to visit. So I did. I will never foget that feeling of awe when the monument revealed itself to me as I crested the hill on Allerton Street. The massive stone sculpture rises from an austere landscape, commanding attention from all who pass. You have to see it to believe it.
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