The National Monument to the Forefathers

The National Monument to the Forefathers

Sadly, even though it is thought to be the world's largest solid granite monument,

it is not a very well-known monument at all.

 

We found out about it through Kirk Cameron's movie, "Monumental."

The planning for this most amazing monument began in 1850,

with the first cornerstone being laid in 1859.

It was completed in 1888.  

 

The following description of the monument is an excerpt from, The Rewriting of America’s History. © 1991, 2011 by Catherine Millard

 

“Towering high in its majestic splendor, the central figure of the monument is Faith. She stands upon a main pedestal, one foot resting upon a replica of Plymouth Rock, and holds an open Bible in her left hand. Her right hand points heavenward. The symbolism is trust in God and His unfailing words, written down for us in the Bible.

Four smaller, seated figures represent the Christian values and principles promulgated by the Pilgrims themselves. They are Morality, Law, Education and Liberty.

Morality holds the Ten Commandments in her left hand and the scroll of Revelation – the last book of the Bible, in the right. She is flanked by an Old Testament Prophet on one side, and the Evangelists on the other.

Law is tempered with Justice on the one hand, and Mercy on the other.

Education is represented with the Wisdom of maturity on one side and Youth following Experience on the other.

Liberty is accompanied by Peace on the one side and the Overthrow of Tyranny on the opposite side.”