Dewey Monument ~ San Francisco

Most everyone that visits San Francisco sees this piece of public art. Two years before the Gold Rush, in 1847, Jasper O’Farrell, the first surveyor of San Francisco, created a design for the city, with Union Square as a public plaza. By the 1880s, it was a fashionable residential district, and in 1903, this towering monument was added. A monument to Admiral George Dewey’s victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish American War. It also commemorates U.S. President William McKinley, who had been recently assassinated. The figurine at the top of the monument, “Winged Victory”, was modeled, reportedly, from the likeness of a local heiress, Alma de Bretteville Spreckels.

Designed by sculptor Robert I. Aitken and architect Newton J. Tharp, the Dewey Monument consisted of a 79-foot-tall granite shaft, surmounted by an 18-foot-high pedestal adorned with the bronzed figure “Winged Victory.” In one hand she bears a trident, the symbol of Poseidon and of naval victory, and in the other hand, a laurel wreath, also a symbol of victory.

I’ll be linking up to Tuesday’s Treasures with Tom The Backroads Traveller and…

…to ABC Wednesday started by Mrs. Nesbitt and carried on by Roger and ABC team for D is for Dewey!

So today I’m headed for a meeting to talk and decide about all my Medicare choices. Ugh. It’s kind of shocking that I’ve gotten to this stage of life. You’d think after all these years and all my experience I’d be able to wade through it all on my own. Then again why not let someone who works in the field benefit from my indecision and steer me in the right direction? It’s not a life and death decision but I do pray I make a good choice! Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

21 thoughts on “Dewey Monument ~ San Francisco”

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I’ve never been there but maybe some day i will see those buildings with my own eyes.

Medical stuff… can be a burden. Wish you Blessings and at least trouble with your health as is possible! Keep trust in what you feel, you know best whats good for you or not.

Have a nice abc-day / – week
♫ M e l o d y ♫ (abc-w-team)

Public art as always been an important feature in our landscape, but today perhaps less so. Treasures like this can be enjoy by future generations, Thanks for sharing Ellen. I hope that you return soon.

Its so lovely to see what others enjoy or maybe become so familiar with that it ceases to register with them but I loved your treasures of san Fransisco!

Been to SF only once! I’d go again.
ROG, ABCW

I’ve been to San Francisco many times and the last time I stayed quite near Union Square. Love the city and everything about it. I’d go back AGAIN! Lovely monument and great shots!
Have a great week, Ellen.

Leslie
abcw team

Very informative.

My ABC WEDNESDAY

Great shots and great choice for D ~

Happy week to you ~ ^_^

She’s beautiful and thanks for the historical background facts. Hope your meeting went well and that you were able to make some great informed decisions!

Nice shots..I am glad you left the bigger views till we could click, and click again to see better.

What a gorgeous monument! I’m glad you told us its history. And you got some great shots. Thanks for sharing them.

What a beautiful monument.
All the best with your Medicare Meeting.

Have been to San Francisco, but not seen this building yet (picking up people from the airport makes for quick trips, since they have jetlag:):) ) Love the statue too!