Simon Bolivar Monument Bust (Baltimore, MD)
 |
View Larger Map |
Location
N Charles Street & St Paul Street & Bedford Place (Street View)
GPS: 39° 20′ 36.56″ N 76° 37′ 17.90″ W
History
Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) is frequently referred to as the “George Washington of South America,” and this bust was a gift from the government of Venezuela to the City of Baltimore, dedicated on April 19, 1961 by artist Felix de Weldon. (Weldon is also the sculptor of the famous Marine Corp Memorial, which depicts a determined group of soldiers raising the American flag over Iwo Jima) According to Baltimore’s City Paper, “Duplicate busts were given to the municipalities of Bolivar, W. Va., Bolivar, Mo., and New Orleans.” Known as a El Libertador – “The Liberator,” Bolivar was inspired by the American Revolution to throw off Spanish rule in South America. He fought in or organized revolutionary actions for close to two decades, resulting in the formation of the nation of Gran Colombia. It’s area encompassed present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama along with small parts of Peru, Brazil, and Guyana. Around the neck of the Bolivar bust is a medallion with a portrait of George Washington.
Notes
The location of this monument compared to most others in the city is a bit far-flung. Travel north until Charles Street and St. Paul Street merge into one in the neighborhood of Guilford. The monument is small and easily missed, residing on a patch of grass on the east side of Charles and just south of Bedford Place. With mostly Caucasian residents, the neighborhood itself may be an odd choice for a monument to a hero of Latin-American independence. There is what might be considered a brother-statue to Bolivar down towards Fells Point of Jose Marti, a Cuban revolutionary hero. Bolivar’s influence on South American politics is felt even today, thanks to a political philosophy referred to in English as Bolivarianism, and the subsequent Bolivarian Revolution of Venezuela’s leader, Hugo Chavez. The movement is typified by a strong emphasis on Venezuelan sovereignty, self-sufficiency, equity and patriotic service.
Nearby
Links