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Dewey Monument

Dewey Monument is an empire-style memorial in Union Square, San Francisco, California. It was erected in honor of American naval commander George Dewey, the only person in the history of the U.S. Navy to receive its highest rank, admiral of the navy. The monument was ceremonially unveiled on May 14, 1903, in the presence of President Theodore Roosevelt. It also serves as a tribute to all U.S. Navy sailors. Designed by sculptor Robert Ingersoll Aitken and architect Newton Tharp, the monument consists of a 25.9-meter column topped by a bronze statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

The Dewey Monument rises above Union Square, topped by a bronze figure holding a staff and wreath.
The Dewey Monument stands in Union Square beneath a clear blue sky, with downtown San Francisco buildings in the background.
© · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Dewey Monument rises in the center of a busy public plaza with people gathered around its base and buildings in the background.
The Dewey Monument stands at the center of Union Square, surrounded by visitors and city buildings.
© · Public domain
Dewey Monument rising from a large urban plaza with checkered pavement, surrounded by city buildings and streets.
Dewey Monument standing in a busy city plaza with checkered paving and surrounding buildings.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0
Dewey Monument rising from a circular basin in a park with buildings and a church steeple behind it.
The Dewey Monument stands in Union Square, with a city backdrop and church steeple visible behind it.
1906 © Banks, Charles Eugene, 1852-1932; Read, Opie Percival, 1852-1939 · No restrictions
The Dewey Monument rises in the center of a busy urban plaza with white tents and people below.
The Dewey Monument stands in Union Square, surrounded by a busy plaza and outdoor tents.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0

Identification

TitleDewey Monument
Original language nameMonumento a Dewey
Alternative namesMonument to George Dewey; Monumento a Dewey; Das Dewey-Denkmal
TypeMonument
StyleEmpire style

Historical context

SubjectCommemorates George Dewey and the U.S. victory in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War, with tribute also to U.S. Navy sailors
HonoreeAdmiral George Dewey
Honoree's distinctionThe only person in history to have received the highest military rank of the U.S. Navy: admiral of the navy
Commemorated eventThe U.S. naval victory at Manila Bay, Philippines, on May 1, 1898

Creator

DesignerRobert Ingersoll Aitken and Newton Tharp
Model for the statueDisputed: Alma de Bretteville Spreckels is said to have modeled for it; a 1902 San Francisco Chronicle article named Clara Petzold or Petzoldt
ArchitectNewton Tharp
SculptorRobert Ingersoll Aitken

Discovery and provenance

Erected byThe citizens of San Francisco
Initiated byPresident William McKinley
Dedicated byPresident Theodore Roosevelt
Dedication dateMay 14, 1903
Completion year1903
Budget$45,000
Model subjectAlma de Bretteville Spreckels is said to have served as the model for Winged Victory
Work beganMay 23, 1901

Location and ownership

LocationUnion Square, San Francisco, California, United States
Site descriptionCenter of Union Square, bounded by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton streets

Physical characteristics

Column diametermore than 1.5 m
Base shapeSquare base
Column heightabout 24 meters
Top figure height2.7 m (9 ft)
Height25.9 m
Overall formColumn topped by a bronze figure of Nike (Winged Victory)

Materials

Column materialGranite
Top figure materialBronze

Technique

Construction supportTimbers shipped from Oregon were used to support the block-and-tackle system during construction
Column constructionAssembled from separate granite blocks weighing 18,144 kg

Appearance

Attributes held by figureA trident and a laurel wreath

Iconography and meaning

Figure symbolismThe trident represents Dewey; the laurel wreath represents victory and, according to some accounts, President McKinley
Trident meaningSymbolizes Poseidon (Neptune) and the naval victory
Crown meaningRepresents McKinley
Figure subjectNike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory

History and restoration

Groundbreaking dateMay 23, 1901
Earthquake survivalThe monument survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake despite its slender, tall construction
Historical noteSix months after the 1901 groundbreaking ceremony, President McKinley was assassinated
Groundbreaking officiated byPresident William McKinley
Historical inscription contentThe pedestal contains several English inscriptions explaining the monument's historical background
Inscription about Manila Bay battleOn the night of April 30, 1898, Dewey's squadron entered Manila Bay and reached Manila at daybreak on May 1, 1898, undeterred by the danger of sea mines; the Spanish fleet of ten warships was attacked and destroyed; Dewey held the city until American troops arrived
Inscription quoting John D. LongNavy Secretary John D. Long to Commodore George Dewey, April 24, 1898: 'Between the United States and Spain war has begun.' Proceed at once to the Philippine Islands and capture or destroy the Spanish fleet.
Inscription about dedicationThe monument was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on May 14, 1903
Inscription about U.S. squadron at Manila BayAmerican squadron in Manila Bay: Olympia (flagship), Baltimore, Raleigh, Boston, Concord, Petrel, McColloch

Significance

Later reinterpretationIn 2012, the monument was reinterpreted through the temporary anti-war art action 'Bitter Melon'