You would think such a colossal monument would be impossible to miss. But think again.
[Update 2014: In the years since I wrote this article there has, happily, been a resurgence in interest in the Forefathers Monument. And there have been steadfast proponents advocating its preservation for decades. But the strange phenomenon I discussed here remains true…so very many residents of the area are completely unaware that this colossal achievement exists. Sadly, it’s a pattern all too common with historic sites, but this may be, literally, the largest example of that phenomenon.]
Plymouth, Massachusetts boasts the largest, free-standing, granite monument in the world–or so the guidebooks often say. Whether that particular claim is true or not, the monument is a stunning work. The sheer size of it will, I guarantee, take your breath the moment it comes into view. Unfortunately, the monument is now virtually hidden and I am always surprised by how few in this region even know that it exists. Yes, the tour buses go up that hill, park, and the tourists pour out to snap pictures. It is ironic. I’d bet that more people from Wisconsin and Iowa and Kentucky see the monument each year than people from Massachusetts. Even in the neighboring towns—and remarkably, even within Plymouth itself—many people have no idea it stands there, tucked away on that wooded hill, screened from view.
The National Monument to the Forefathers, dedicated to the settlers most commonly known as “Pilgrims,” was built through the efforts of the Pilgrim Society. When the organization was founded in 1820, the construction of such a monument was one of their primary goals. The cornerstone was laid in 1859 and the 81 foot tall monument was completed in 1889. It features a central figure, 36 feet tall, representing Faith, with four seated statues surrounding her representing Education, Law, Morality and Freedom. There are a number of smaller figures shown in relief around the base representing various other virtues as well as depictions of the Pilgrims and their journey.
The monument was designed by Hammatt Billings (1818–1874), an artist and architect from Milton, Massachusetts. Billings created a number of striking buildings and monuments, including the old Boston Museum (long since gone), the original monumental canopy over Plymouth Rock—which, I think, was far more handsome than the one there now—and several elegant Victorian mansions across New England. He was also a prolific illustrator, producing artwork for books and magazines. In fact, the familiar cover of the Old Farmer’s Almanac may be his most widely viewed creation—though it’s hardly one that anyone stops to think about.
The Forefathers Monument is generally cited as his greatest accomplishment. And it is stunning. It sits atop a hill almost a mile from the Plymouth waterfront. And here’s the rub…At the time, the location made sense, I’m sure. The landscape of Plymouth (virtually all of New England for that matter) was practically treeless. Sitting atop a decent sized hill and towering to 81 feet, the monument must have been visible for miles around. Another key advantage of its location: the old railroad line into downtown Plymouth (now gone) ran very near the base of that hill. I’m sure the tourists coming down from Boston in the late 19th century had an absolutely grand view of the Forefathers Monument. What a majestic welcome for visitors to Plymouth!
Today, trees have grown up everywhere. Beautiful vistas used to abound along the South Shore. Now trees grow like massive weeds. Before anyone gets offended, I’m not suggesting we clear cut our landscape again. But a little strategic protection of visibility and views in certain places is seriously wanting.
The Forefathers Monument is virtually invisible due to the growth of trees (not to mention the addition of many buildings downtown). There are very, very few points in Plymouth from which you can catch a fleeting glimpse of it. Even if you know exactly where to find it, you won’t actually see the monument until you’re nearly on top of it. And when it finally comes into view, the effect is almost surreal. Everyone I’ve ever brought there reacts the same way, with some variation of: “How can something so huge be so hidden?”
The same thing is happening to the Myles Standish Monument in Duxbury. It was once prominent from any point along Plymouth Bay. But over the past nearly 30 years I’ve watched the pines grow taller and taller until, from some vantage points, only Myles’s hat is visible. This is not what the creators of these monuments envisioned.
The case of the Standish monument would be easier to remedy as the entire hill is owned by the Commonwealth and trees could certainly be cut back to improve visibility. This is not the case with the Forefather’s monument which sits on a relatively small state-owned parcel and is otherwise surrounded by private property. So, it seems likely that the monument will remain an obscure colossus.
[Sources: James W. Baker, A Guide to Historic Plymouth, (2008), p. 114; Alfred Stevens Burbank, Guide to Historic Plymouth, (1900), p. 7-11.]
Historical Digression 
August 14th, 2012 at 3:42 am
thought I knew history 77 years old never have read about this monument until a month ago. Its on my bucket list
August 21st, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Jack, you should really see it. It is worth it.
August 27th, 2012 at 1:09 am
As a descendant of Stephen Hopkins and Constance Hopkins, I’m glad to know it’s there. Quite impressive! Too many of these monuments are being obsured by vegetation and the lack of public preservation, ie. the lack of funds. Take the 1920 bronze plaque at First Encounter Beach in Eastham, for example. It’s located to the right of the main parking lot up on the dune above the rest rooms. The paved trail is overgrown and choked with sand. There is no sign indicating the monument. Oh there is a sign saying “Don’t tread on me!” to protect the dune. And a new plaque was erected in 2001 and placed down by the beach and parking lot. The wording was changed too. Which one do you think gets viewed more?
August 27th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
I am in awe, not only because of the fact that I had never heard of this magnificent monument before the Monumental DVD, but by the amazing information provided through this beautiful gift to us from the people of Plymouth and Massachusetts. As an almost 70 year old Kansan, born and raised many miles from this monument, I am ashamed of my ignorance of my U.S. history told so graphically in this testimony of our forefather’s faith in us. Thank you for your informative description and this site. I will do my utmost to pass this information on to my grandchildren.
October 31st, 2012 at 7:29 pm
absolutely beautiful.. hope to see it in up close and personal someday
November 19th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
I am curious about the part that the Mason organization had in the Monument to our Forefathers. I have read there are certain meanings reflected in the Monument that are secretive, known only to Masons. Can you clarify this for me?
November 20th, 2012 at 7:40 am
Hi Kirby. I believe the Masons participated in the laying of the cornerstone…I’ll have to check on that. But beyond that, I don’t think they had any role in the design of the monument or any of its symbols.
December 26th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
My ignorance of truth is enormous. Note to all gummet employed “educators”: You messed me. You have a chance, starting now, to make good out of your past mistakes.
December 30th, 2012 at 3:29 am
This IS definitely one if the most unknown National Treasure’s! Only one thing I read in your info I noticed wasn’t on track. It’s VERY minor, and really close. But 1 of the 4 figures under “Faith”, instead of “Freedom”, it is “Liberty”. It is an amazing peice of heritage that had never been taught to me in any of the schools I had gone to! Also it is amazing figuring out the relationship of all the characters in the statue, of how it was suppose to be in this “new country”. But it appears things have gone wrong with our America. Thank you for your web article.
December 30th, 2012 at 10:21 am
Nice catch, Cricket. I’ll correct that. Thanks.
December 30th, 2012 at 3:43 am
I believe this Monument is something that HAS to be SEEN IN PERSON!
And Patrick, your article is really a great read, and exceptionally written! Unlike most things I see on the net!
December 30th, 2012 at 10:20 am
Thanks very much, Cricket. Yes, I agree completely…you really can’t grasp the scale of the monument unless you see it…and then you wonder how it can possibly be so overlooked.
January 20th, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Would love to see this one day…we visited Cowpens Battlefield, SC yesterday…we learn, or are refreshed on, something about the Rev War EVERY visit… I am so grateful for what our forefathers did for us… I never want to be under a King or dictator … 232 years since the Battle of Cowpens was won, in large part due to Gen. Daniel Morgan’s courage, strategy, and his manner in which he organized and regulated the SC Militia!! The Rev. War may have drawn out much much longer than it did had that man not heeded his call to serve! I had forgotten that he was a YANKEE!!! lol We have a lot of Civil War History nearby also! My boys Love It! They have attended, one still does, James F. Byrnes HS … he played His part in the Civil War!
March 25th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
The Monumental DVD should be a mandatory requirement for showing to every history class in our high schools! The history documented in the DVD is never mentioned in our high schools or colleges. Sad and pitiful.