Smith Memorial Arch
Smith Memorial Arch
| Type | Monument |
|---|---|
| Address | North Concourse Drive, West Fairmount Park |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Fairmount Park |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1912 |
| Hours | Always accessible |
The Smith Memorial Arch is a monumental granite arch in West Fairmount Park honoring Pennsylvania's Civil War heroes. Built between 1897 and 1912, the arch features bronze sculptures of notable military and naval figures and stands as one of Philadelphia's grandest monuments.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Richard Smith's Bequest
[edit | edit source]The arch was funded by Richard Smith (1821-1894):
- Philadelphia typefounder and businessman
- Left $500,000 in his will for a memorial
- Largest private monument bequest in American history at the time
- Specified it honor Pennsylvania heroes of the Civil War
- Died before construction began
Construction
[edit | edit source]- 1897 — Construction began
- 1898-1912 — Sculptures added over years
- 1912 — Arch completed
- Designed by James H. Windrim
- Multiple sculptors contributed bronze figures
Design
[edit | edit source]Architecture
[edit | edit source]The arch spans a roadway in West Fairmount Park:
- Granite construction
- Two main pylons
- Curved colonnade wings
- Bronze sculptures of military figures
- Equestrian statues on top
Sculptures
[edit | edit source]The arch features works by prominent sculptors:
Equestrian Statues (top):
- Major General George Gordon Meade — Victor of Gettysburg
- Major General John Fulton Reynolds — Killed at Gettysburg
Standing Figures:
- Major General Winfield Scott Hancock
- Major General George B. McClellan
- Admiral David D. Porter (Navy)
- Admiral John A. Dahlgren (Navy)
- Other Pennsylvania military leaders
Bronze Busts:
- Multiple Pennsylvania heroes in niches
Significance
[edit | edit source]Pennsylvania's Civil War Role
[edit | edit source]Pennsylvania was crucial to the Union:
- Second-most troops provided (over 360,000)
- Gettysburg fought on Pennsylvania soil
- Major industrial contribution
- Many noted military leaders
- The arch honors this sacrifice
Architectural Importance
[edit | edit source]- One of America's grandest Civil War monuments
- Unusual scale for a memorial arch
- Exceptional bronze sculpture collection
- Important public art installation
- Often overlooked despite significance
Visiting
[edit | edit source]| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | North Concourse Drive, West Fairmount Park |
| Access | Always open, free |
| Time needed | 20-30 minutes |
| Parking | Street parking nearby |
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Combine with Please Touch Museum (Memorial Hall) nearby
- Best appreciated on foot—walk through and around
- Sculptures reward close inspection
- Less visited than other park attractions—usually quiet
- Good photography subject
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- By car — North Concourse Drive, West Fairmount Park
- Near — Please Touch Museum, Memorial Hall
- Transit — Limited; driving recommended
- Parking — Street parking available
Frequently Asked Questions
[edit | edit source]See Also
[edit | edit source]- Fairmount Park
- Please Touch Museum
- Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Memorial
- Philadelphia in the Civil War
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Smith Memorial Arch". Association for Public Art. Retrieved December 23, 2025