Existing comment:
Symbolism:
"A Laurel Wreath and a Rudder for a Victorious Port City"
The Battle Monument contains many symbols:
(A) Classical Lady Baltimore presents a laurel victory wreath to the city.
(B) She faces the harbor, source of Baltimore's prosperity, with a rudder in her left hand.
(C) She wears the ancient crown of cities on her head.
(D) The monument base, an Egyptian tomb, represents immortality.
(E) Four fierce griffins guard the tomb's corners.
(F) The column is a Roman fasces, or bundle of rods, symbolizing unity.
(G) The names of the fallen defenders grace the column and the urns represent grief.
(H) Three steps to the tomb's door evoke three years of war.
(I) Eighteen stars signify the eighteen states then in the union. |