Smith Memorial Arch

As you stand before the Smith Memorial Arch you’re transported back in time. This magnificent structure is not only a gateway to West Fairmount Park but also a powerful reminder of the Civil War and its impact on Pennsylvania. Funded by the generous will of Richard Smith, a type founder, this monument was built to honor the state’s military and naval heroes who bravely fought for their country. Imagine the bustling city life in Philadelphia that surrounded the arch as it was built. Over 15 years, artists tirelessly created sculptures, including nine busts, three figures, and two equestrians. Among them are the imposing figures of Major General George Gordon Meade and Major General John Fulton Reynolds, who stand proudly on the top of the arches. The arch’s inscription reads: “THIS MONUMENTAL MEMORIAL PRESENTED BY RICHARD SMITH, TYPE FOUNDER, OF PHILADELPHIA, IN MEMORY OF PENNSYLVANIANS WHO TOOK PART IN THE CIVIL WAR. THEIR STRIFE WAS NOT FOR AGGRANDIZEMENT, AND WHEN CONFLICT CEASED, THE NORTH WITH THE SOUTH UNITED AGAIN TO ENJOY THE COMMON HERITAGE LEFT BY THE FATHERS OF OUR COUNTRY, RESOLVING THAT THEREAFTER ALL OUR PEOPLE SHOULD DWELL TOGETHER IN UNITY.” The words echo the hope for unity and peace that Smith, a visionary for his time, wanted to convey. Take a moment and listen to the whispers of history and heroism that still resonate through this timeless monument.