City of Providence

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

No.

WHEREAS, Master sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the artist who designed the
Statue of Liberty, created the statue model of Christopher Columbus for Providence’s Gorham
Manufacturing Company; and
WHEREAS, The statue was originally cast in silver to highlight the company’s expertise,
and presented at the 1892 Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, The silver-cast sculpture was displayed at Providence City Hall following
the exposition; and
WHEREAS, The bronze-cast replica was created in 1893 and dedicated on November 8
of that year, 126 years ago; and
WHEREAS, The statue was a gift to the City of Providence from the Elmwood
Association, a civic group from the residential neighborhood near the Gorham Plant; and
WHEREAS, The statue of Christopher Columbus is historically significant, both as a
work of a master and as a document in the history of the Gorham Manufacturing Company; and
WHEREAS, The statue and park, named Columbus Square at the intersections of
Elmwood and Reservoir Avenues, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places since
October of 2001; and
WHEREAS, The site and statue are a steadfast reminder of Elmwood’s past, particularly
in relation to the industrialization of the nation and Providence’s contribution to the economy;
and
WHEREAS, The location of the statute has long been an important placemaking element
to the neighborhood.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Providence City Council does
hereby agree that the statue of Christopher Columbus will not be relocated or removed unless the
Elmwood neighborhood be consulted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, copies of this resolution will be sent to the Director of
City Property, the Superintendent of Providence Parks, Providence Board of Parks
Commissioners and the Department of Public Safety.