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 
May 20th, 2014 at 11:33 pm
I am in Connecticut and only because I watched the movie I heard of this for the first time. I am sad about that but so excited to take my children to see it!
June 2nd, 2014 at 1:56 am
I too did not hear about it until watching the movie. Its pretty sad that we are not made aware of many of history’s treasures. I’m glad that Kirk is making moves to enlighten us with his curiosity and continuing to be such a role model.
June 27th, 2014 at 11:35 am
I am working with a committee planning the 125th Anniversary of the National Monument to the Forefathers. Loved your article and thank you for educating people about this monument. Our celebration begins on July 31st and ends on August 2, 2014. If you are interested in attending the event go to: http://www.plymrock.org
Please help spread the word. This is one of the events leading up to our 400th Anniversary!
July 2nd, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Hi Mary. Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed the article. I’ll be playing a small role in the event. Looking forward to it.
Patrick
August 28th, 2014 at 6:48 pm
Hi Patrick,
I just read your article about the portico over Plymouth Rock that was designed by Hammett Billings. You are right about the arches being stored in the park. I talked to Debra Balboni and she has them stored for future use. I think they were originally found by a Malaguti, who did the excavating. He stored them in a sandpit on Liberty Street. He even had some granite pieces from the remnants polished and made tie clips, cuff links, earrings etc. None of the gift shops would sell them.
If you stop into the office of Balboni’s and talk to Debra, she has some of the pieces of jewelry. She probably would show you where she has the arches and let you take a photo.
I’m sorry I didn’t read this in time to be able to meet you at the event. It was a very rainy day. I had a small tent with one of the original replicas of the monument, that people received when they donated to the building fund.
I love this blog and your articles. Maybe some time in the future I will get to meet you. You wouldn’t happen to be one of the Civil War actors, that come to town for the Thanksgiving Day Parade?
August 31st, 2014 at 8:24 am
Thanks very much, I am glad you enjoy the articles. Yes, I’ve marched in the Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade probably a dozen times although work responsibilities have recently superseded my parade participation. Very glad to hear that the fragments of the canopy are stored somewhere. I would enjoy seeing them again. I liked their arrangement in Camelot Park where they stood a number of years ago. It was nicely done. But I imagine they wanted to protect them from potential vandalism.
July 3rd, 2014 at 5:47 pm
I am so excited to hear about this! I am teaching 5th grade history and this will tie everything together for my students. I am looking forward to introducing this into their education like it is supposed to be done!
December 2nd, 2014 at 10:59 am
I watched Kirk Cameron’s “Monumental” and it was jaw-dropping in many ways. Searching for a photo of the monument I came across your article. Thanks so much. Thanks to the Pilgrims I am a humble daughter of immigrants from the East, proud to be an American, eternally grateful to be a Christian. I am so moved by it all, as you say in the article, It has taken my breath away emotionally, a if I have seen it in person.
February 8th, 2015 at 3:36 am
I’m totally amazed and in awe of such a magnificent monument in remembrance of our forefathers and all they stood for! To keep our freedoms they have shown us the basic principles on which our country was founded. We must not forget our duty to God in defending our country through these principles which were established on Faith, as she holds the Holy Bible in one hand, and the other pointing to the Heavens. A star on her forehead, ( maybe the star of David). The four seated statues, Education, Law, Morality, & Freedom, along with smaller figures of other virtues. How prophetic this monument stands as we struggle against the great Evils of our day. May we turn back to God, and honor this great country that was established as a land of liberty and a republic of religious freedom. I hope to be able to see this monument before I die, Teresa Diane Collard. 2015
April 5th, 2015 at 7:22 pm
Dear Patrick:
May we reprint this article in our little newsletter for the Utah Society of Mayflower Descendants? As we are on deadline, a speedy reply would be appreciated.
April 6th, 2015 at 6:38 am
Hi Charles,
Thanks for your interest in the article. I’ll message you via FB.
Patrick
April 27th, 2015 at 8:10 pm
Thank you for your info website about the monument. The Plymouth Monument is amazing and packed with significance. I would like to see you add information to describe the story it was built to tell every day.
January 19th, 2016 at 5:25 pm
I am a reasonably well traveled
Brit from London .
My wife and I visited this monument
about 2 years ago and I have to
say it’s one of the most impressive
monuments I have ever seen
and living in or around London
most of my life I’ve seen a lot.
Shaun( uk).
March 21st, 2016 at 4:23 am
Do you know where I can get an actual statue (Replica) of the this monument?
Thank you,
Charlie Ferchau
408-489-4185
March 21st, 2016 at 5:52 am
Hi Charlie. I’m not aware of any company that makes or sells replicas. Sorry.
March 21st, 2016 at 11:19 am
Someone should I’d be very interested in approx 10 of them for my class