Roger Williams Statue
Dublin Core
Title
Roger Williams Statue
Subject (Topic)
Subject (Topic)
Prospect Terrace--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
College Hill--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Prospect Terrace--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
College Hill--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Subject (Name)
Subject (Name)
Williams, Roger, 1603-1683
Williams, Roger, 1603-1683
Subject (Object)
Subject (Object)
Commemorative sculpture
Commemorative sculpture
Description
The colossal statue of Roger Williams (14 feet high) stands overlooking the City of Providence from Prospect Terrace. Made of Westerly granite, the statue represents Williams in colonial garb with doublet, breeches, and a cape. His right hand is raised in benediction to the City of Providence with his left hand and arm resting against his leg.
Over the years, the Roger Williams Statue has been vandalized on numerous occasions including graffiti on the statue, and the removal of Williams’s granite fingers, thumbs, and hand.
Over the years, the Roger Williams Statue has been vandalized on numerous occasions including graffiti on the statue, and the removal of Williams’s granite fingers, thumbs, and hand.
Creator
Friedlander, Leo, 1888-1966 (sculptor)
Walker, Ralph Thomas, 1889-1973 (architect)
Joseph Coduri Granite Company (Westerly)
Walker, Ralph Thomas, 1889-1973 (architect)
Joseph Coduri Granite Company (Westerly)
Source
Photographs by Eric Sung, Professor, Providence College
Date
June 29, 1939
Contributor
Roger Williams Memorial Association; Park Commission; A. W. Merchant and Company (general contractor); Anthony Sciolto (stonemason); Searle and Searle (landscape architects); Perennial Planters (Providence); Sara Bradford (Albert Veri & Associates); Rhode Island Foundation; City of Providence
Rights
City of Providence, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Format
JPEG
Language
English
Type
Visual Arts-Sculpture
Coverage
Prospect Terrace, 60 Congdon Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02906, United States
Has Part
Information signage from City of Providence:
This hilltop has been an important and strategic location throughout the history of Providence. In early days there was a beacon to use for communication between settlements along Narragansett Bay. Later, at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, a tall beacon was erected as part of the system of defense and fortifications of the area. In 1775 Prospect Hill fort was built on the brow of the hill extending around the beacon. Earthwork remnants of that fort were still visible in the 1850’s in the area of the northeast corner of what is now Prospect Terrace.
In 1863 the land for the park was purchased by public spirited citizens and donated to the City as a public park. A retaining wall was built, creating a terrace overlook that became a very popular park with benches, a carriage way, tall flagpole and ornate central fountain. This commanding location was also selected for a grand monument to honor Roger Williams and to serve as a resting place for his remains. There were various proposals, but a commemorative monument was not realized until decades later.
With the City’s tercentenary in 1936 there was renewed interest and commitment to paying tribute to Roger Williams. The park was expanded to almost triple the original size. Architect Ralph Walker was commissioned to redesign the park with a monument to Williams. Sculptor Leo Friedlander designed the statue which stands within the monument as we see it today.
Walker’s original design included a dramatic scheme with a 14-foot-tall statue of Roger Williams in a massive granite portal supported by a high marble clad retaining wall. Approaching the monument from a grand walkway up from the Old State House on Benefit Street, one could have walked up broad steps to a terrace adorned with statues of prominent Native American tribal leaders and a large reflecting pool. Looking up would have been a wonderful view of Roger Williams overlooking the city he founded, hand extended standing at the bow of the boat that took him across the Seekonk River.
The original design was scaled back and the monument as built, is only the upper section of the design, including the portal with statue, repository for Roger Williams’ ashes and time capsule, as well as overlook terrace with walks and lawn. While the statue of Williams is mainly visible from the street below, visitors to the park still enjoy a magnificent view of Providence and the western hills beyond. We are reminded in the words spoken at the 1939 dedication of the memorial, ‘Constructed as it is, not for our generation alone, but for all generations that will follow, it stands in its majesty, solidity and permanence, an everlasting tribute to the Founder of our State, and to his statesmanlike ability, tolerance and justice."
This hilltop has been an important and strategic location throughout the history of Providence. In early days there was a beacon to use for communication between settlements along Narragansett Bay. Later, at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, a tall beacon was erected as part of the system of defense and fortifications of the area. In 1775 Prospect Hill fort was built on the brow of the hill extending around the beacon. Earthwork remnants of that fort were still visible in the 1850’s in the area of the northeast corner of what is now Prospect Terrace.
In 1863 the land for the park was purchased by public spirited citizens and donated to the City as a public park. A retaining wall was built, creating a terrace overlook that became a very popular park with benches, a carriage way, tall flagpole and ornate central fountain. This commanding location was also selected for a grand monument to honor Roger Williams and to serve as a resting place for his remains. There were various proposals, but a commemorative monument was not realized until decades later.
With the City’s tercentenary in 1936 there was renewed interest and commitment to paying tribute to Roger Williams. The park was expanded to almost triple the original size. Architect Ralph Walker was commissioned to redesign the park with a monument to Williams. Sculptor Leo Friedlander designed the statue which stands within the monument as we see it today.
Walker’s original design included a dramatic scheme with a 14-foot-tall statue of Roger Williams in a massive granite portal supported by a high marble clad retaining wall. Approaching the monument from a grand walkway up from the Old State House on Benefit Street, one could have walked up broad steps to a terrace adorned with statues of prominent Native American tribal leaders and a large reflecting pool. Looking up would have been a wonderful view of Roger Williams overlooking the city he founded, hand extended standing at the bow of the boat that took him across the Seekonk River.
The original design was scaled back and the monument as built, is only the upper section of the design, including the portal with statue, repository for Roger Williams’ ashes and time capsule, as well as overlook terrace with walks and lawn. While the statue of Williams is mainly visible from the street below, visitors to the park still enjoy a magnificent view of Providence and the western hills beyond. We are reminded in the words spoken at the 1939 dedication of the memorial, ‘Constructed as it is, not for our generation alone, but for all generations that will follow, it stands in its majesty, solidity and permanence, an everlasting tribute to the Founder of our State, and to his statesmanlike ability, tolerance and justice."
Extent
168 in. (426.72 cm)
Medium
Westerly granite
Bibliographic Citation
"The Unbuilt Monument to Roger Williams. Story of the Little-Known Fund Established for a Monument, Now Amounting to $13,000." Providence Journal, February 1, 1914.
"The Unknown Face of Roger Williams. Years Have Failed to Yield Authentic Picture of Founder." Providence Journal, February 2, 1936.
"Alderman Approve Williams Tribute. Adopt Resolution for Monument in Prospect Park." Providence Journal, April 3, 1936.
"Olneyville. Businessmen Hear Munroe Tell About Plans for Memorial to Roger Williams. Prospect Terrace Is Site." Providence Journal, May 12, 1936.
"Court Transfers Memorial Fund. Authorize Use of $44,300 to Construct Monument to Roger Williams. Work May Begin Soon." Providence Journal, October 22, 1936
"Roger Williams Memorial Contract Open This Week. Backers Have Waited 76 Years to See Start of R. I. Tribute to State’s Founder. Court Action Cleared Way for $52,000 Project." Providence Journal, October 25, 1936.
"Monument Contract Let. Westerly Company Will Cut Statue of Roger Williams." Providence Journal, May 14, 1937.
"Fair Commission Appeals for $5,000. Contributions Are Needed to Reach $12,500 Required by April 1." Providence Journal, March 10, 1939.
"Plans Complete for Fair Exhibit. Plaster Cast of Prospect Hill Statue of Roger Williams Will Be Utilized. More R. I. Funds Needed." Providence Journal, March 14, 1939.
"Rhode Island’s Stake in the Fair. New England Access Will Catch Tourists After Gotham Visit." Providence Journal, April 23, 1939.
"World Fair Exhibit Depicts Rhode Island Opportunities." Providence Journal, May 1, 1939.
"A High Place for a Statue of Roger Williams." Providence Journal, May 28, 1939.
"Statue of Roger Williams to be Unveiled Thursday. Descendants of Rhode Island’s Founder to Take Part in Ceremonies of Memorial Association. Monument First Proposed 89 Years Ago." Providence Journal, June 25, 1939.
"Williams Statue Dedicated Today. Rhode Island’s Founder Will Be Memorialized on Prospect Terrace." Providence Journal, June 29, 1939.
"Keeping Eternal Vigilance. Roger Williams Statue Unveiled. More than 1000 Descendants and Their Guest at Prospect Terrace Dedication. R. I. Founder Eulogized." Providence Journal, June 30, 1939.
"In Rhode Island . . . 10-20-25 Years Ago." Providence Journal, June 26, 1949.
"Loses Thumb. Roger Williams Statue Damaged by Vandals." Providence Journal, February 22, 1957.
Griffith, Davis W. "New Thumb for Roger." Providence Journal, January 21, 1958.
"Roger Williams’ Surgeon Not from Vermont." Providence Journal, January 23, 1958.
"Youngsters Decorate Roger Williams Statue." Providence Journal, October 22, 1959.
"Probation Given 3 Who Damaged Terrace Statue." Providence Journal, May 20, 1960.
"Terms Deferred. Pair Were Involved in Burning Roger Williams Statue. Providence Journal, June 14, 1960.
"Statue of Roger Williams Again Is Vandals’ Target." Providence Journal, May 16, 1963.
"Single Shot." Providence Journal, August 16, 1964.
"Vandals Deface Roger Williams Statue with Ink." Providence Journal, January 10, 1966.
"Roger Williams Statue Defaced." Providence Journal, March 10, 1968.
"The New Ode to Spring, by the Roger Williams Statue." Providence Journal, March 23, 1969.
Breed, Donald D. "City Plans to Protect Monument from Vandals. Roger Williams Statue a Target in Providence." Providence Journal, March 17, 1989.
"Statue for All Seasons." Providence Journal. March 23, 1989.
Castellucci, John. "Providence to Dedicate Park Near Roger Williams Statue." Providence Journal. May 8, 1989.
Castellucci, John. "Providence, Garden Club Give Roger Williams a Nicer View." Providence Journal. May 8, 1989.
Borg, Linda. "Digital Deficit. Roger Williams Statue Missing Four Fingers and a Thumb." Providence Journal. September 19, 2007.
Bramson, Kate. "Vandals Can’t Keep Their Hands Off Roger Williams. The Digits on the Left Hand of the Statue in Prospect Park in Providence Appear to be a Tempting Target." Providence Journal. July 14, 2009.
Bramson, Kate. "Pair’s Repair of Iconic Statue Is Labor of Love. A Father and Daughter Are Replacing the Broken Fingers on the Roger Williams Statue in Providence." Providence Journal. May 3, 2010.
"Roger Williams Statue Providence." Providence Journal. August 21, 2016.
"The Unknown Face of Roger Williams. Years Have Failed to Yield Authentic Picture of Founder." Providence Journal, February 2, 1936.
"Alderman Approve Williams Tribute. Adopt Resolution for Monument in Prospect Park." Providence Journal, April 3, 1936.
"Olneyville. Businessmen Hear Munroe Tell About Plans for Memorial to Roger Williams. Prospect Terrace Is Site." Providence Journal, May 12, 1936.
"Court Transfers Memorial Fund. Authorize Use of $44,300 to Construct Monument to Roger Williams. Work May Begin Soon." Providence Journal, October 22, 1936
"Roger Williams Memorial Contract Open This Week. Backers Have Waited 76 Years to See Start of R. I. Tribute to State’s Founder. Court Action Cleared Way for $52,000 Project." Providence Journal, October 25, 1936.
"Monument Contract Let. Westerly Company Will Cut Statue of Roger Williams." Providence Journal, May 14, 1937.
"Fair Commission Appeals for $5,000. Contributions Are Needed to Reach $12,500 Required by April 1." Providence Journal, March 10, 1939.
"Plans Complete for Fair Exhibit. Plaster Cast of Prospect Hill Statue of Roger Williams Will Be Utilized. More R. I. Funds Needed." Providence Journal, March 14, 1939.
"Rhode Island’s Stake in the Fair. New England Access Will Catch Tourists After Gotham Visit." Providence Journal, April 23, 1939.
"World Fair Exhibit Depicts Rhode Island Opportunities." Providence Journal, May 1, 1939.
"A High Place for a Statue of Roger Williams." Providence Journal, May 28, 1939.
"Statue of Roger Williams to be Unveiled Thursday. Descendants of Rhode Island’s Founder to Take Part in Ceremonies of Memorial Association. Monument First Proposed 89 Years Ago." Providence Journal, June 25, 1939.
"Williams Statue Dedicated Today. Rhode Island’s Founder Will Be Memorialized on Prospect Terrace." Providence Journal, June 29, 1939.
"Keeping Eternal Vigilance. Roger Williams Statue Unveiled. More than 1000 Descendants and Their Guest at Prospect Terrace Dedication. R. I. Founder Eulogized." Providence Journal, June 30, 1939.
"In Rhode Island . . . 10-20-25 Years Ago." Providence Journal, June 26, 1949.
"Loses Thumb. Roger Williams Statue Damaged by Vandals." Providence Journal, February 22, 1957.
Griffith, Davis W. "New Thumb for Roger." Providence Journal, January 21, 1958.
"Roger Williams’ Surgeon Not from Vermont." Providence Journal, January 23, 1958.
"Youngsters Decorate Roger Williams Statue." Providence Journal, October 22, 1959.
"Probation Given 3 Who Damaged Terrace Statue." Providence Journal, May 20, 1960.
"Terms Deferred. Pair Were Involved in Burning Roger Williams Statue. Providence Journal, June 14, 1960.
"Statue of Roger Williams Again Is Vandals’ Target." Providence Journal, May 16, 1963.
"Single Shot." Providence Journal, August 16, 1964.
"Vandals Deface Roger Williams Statue with Ink." Providence Journal, January 10, 1966.
"Roger Williams Statue Defaced." Providence Journal, March 10, 1968.
"The New Ode to Spring, by the Roger Williams Statue." Providence Journal, March 23, 1969.
Breed, Donald D. "City Plans to Protect Monument from Vandals. Roger Williams Statue a Target in Providence." Providence Journal, March 17, 1989.
"Statue for All Seasons." Providence Journal. March 23, 1989.
Castellucci, John. "Providence to Dedicate Park Near Roger Williams Statue." Providence Journal. May 8, 1989.
Castellucci, John. "Providence, Garden Club Give Roger Williams a Nicer View." Providence Journal. May 8, 1989.
Borg, Linda. "Digital Deficit. Roger Williams Statue Missing Four Fingers and a Thumb." Providence Journal. September 19, 2007.
Bramson, Kate. "Vandals Can’t Keep Their Hands Off Roger Williams. The Digits on the Left Hand of the Statue in Prospect Park in Providence Appear to be a Tempting Target." Providence Journal. July 14, 2009.
Bramson, Kate. "Pair’s Repair of Iconic Statue Is Labor of Love. A Father and Daughter Are Replacing the Broken Fingers on the Roger Williams Statue in Providence." Providence Journal. May 3, 2010.
"Roger Williams Statue Providence." Providence Journal. August 21, 2016.
Rights Holder
Department of Art, Culture, Tourism, City of Providence
Geolocation
Citation
Friedlander, Leo, 1888-1966 (sculptor)
Walker, Ralph Thomas, 1889-1973 (architect)
Joseph Coduri Granite Company (Westerly)
, “Roger Williams Statue,” Commemorative Works of Providence, accessed April 1, 2026, https://monuments.artculturetourism.com/items/show/51.