What Is National Monument to the Forefathers?
This is an 81-foot tall granite sculpture built to honor the 102 passengers on the Mayflower!
What Makes It Historical?
It took nearly 100 years of planning and replanning to create this monument, which was first proposed during the last few years of George Washington’s presidency! The name behind it was Boston sculptor, Hammatt Billings, who meant this monument to be equal in size and grandeur to the 108-foot tall Colossus of Rhodes. However, because of funding challenges, a Civil War, and the death of Mr. Billings himself, the final monument only reached 81 feet at its dedication on August 1, 1889!
Atop the pedestal stands the personification of Faith, her hand raised to the heavens because the Pilgrims were chasing religious freedom. Seated around her are the depictions of Morality, Liberty, Education, and Law, considered the pillars of a free and prosperous society! Under each statue is a relief depicting the four stages of the journey: embarcation from Plymouth, landing at Plymouth Rock, signing of the Mayflower Compact, and the treaty with the Wampanoag!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with Massachusetts State Parks!
- Donate to the Plimoth Patuxet Museums!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
72 Allerton St
Plymouth, MA 02360
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The monument is officially open from dawn to dusk, April through November, but the gate may still be open during winter!