Johns Hopkins Monument (Baltimore, MD)

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:30:54 +0000

Location

N Charles Street & E 33Rd Street (Street View)

GPS: 39° 19′ 41.02″ N 76° 37′ 4.55″ W

History

In 1873, Johns Hopkins died. In 1875, a university in his name was established, one of many institutions that would eventually use his moniker. A Quaker of modest beginnings, Hopkins and his brothers first business was selling supplies from covered wagons in the Shenandoah Valley. Occasionally they traded goods for corn whiskey, repackaged the liquor, and sold it to Baltimoreans as Hopkins Best. With these earnings, the brothers bankrolled the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, bailing the company out of debt several times. During and after the Civil War, Hopkins thrived as an investor and professional, becoming one of the richest men in American history.

Notes

The bust of Johns Hopkins, sculpted by Hans Schuler, rests atop a tall foundation and is flanked by two statues, one a young female and the other a youthful male. During warmer months a fountain trickles water from it’s base. Originally located at N Charles Street & E 34th Street, the structure was moved a block south due to numerous automobile accidents attributed to its placement. Surrounded by lush vegetation, with the school’s impressive campus behind, the monument presents a dignified view of one of America’s icons.

Nearby

Links

John Mifflin Hood Statue (Baltimore, MD)

admin — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:27:49 +0000

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Location

Saratoga Street and St. Paul Street (Street View)

GPS: 39° 17′ 32.95″ N 76° 36′ 49.24″ W

History

Depicts John Mifflin Hood, Confederate general and early president of the Western Maryland Railroad. Under Hood’s guidance the railroad was able to regain market share, becoming very profitable. Baltimore City owned considerable stock in the company, resulting in massive profit. After the great fire of 1904, the city used six million dollars of railroad earnings to pay for reconstruction. In appreciation, a monument was erected, one block from the origin of the fire, in Mifflin Hood’s honor. It was later moved to it’s current location in Preston Park. Dedicated May 11, 1911. Artist, Richard E. Brooks.

Notes

Hood’s monument is tucked away in a park known as Preston Gardens which lies in between St. Paul Street’s north and south-bound lanes. The monument is flanked on either side by a fountain and winding staircases connect the upper and lower sections of St. Paul. Curving sidewalks flow throughout this surprisingly placid location.

Nearby

Links

Smithsonian’s Arts Inventory Catalog entry
Information on Hood’s railroad under “The Rise of Tourism”
Alice W. Hood Collection At Maryland Historical Society
On Panoramio & Flickr

Monument City » Railroad

Johns Hopkins Monument (Baltimore, MD)

John Mifflin Hood Statue (Baltimore, MD)