Behold the Guardian of Water. This majestic granite sculpture stands before you a testament to San Diego’s history.
Created by Donal Hord in 1939 it was a project of the Works Progress Administration. Hord painstakingly shaped this 22-ton block of granite from a Lakeside quarry. The Guardian of Water stands 13 feet 3 inches tall. Its base adds another nine feet making a total of 22 feet 3 inches.
The Guardian is more than just a pretty face. It symbolizes San Diego’s vital relationship with water a precious resource. The statue depicts a pioneer woman a nod to the city’s early settlers. She holds a water jug high. It’s a powerful image.
But look closer. Notice the mosaic tiles and basin. They’re full of symbolism. Cloud-like nudes represent water itself. A dam an orchard dolphins fish and sea snails all tell a story of San Diego’s landscape and its dependence on water.
In 1960 a replica of the Guardian was sent to Yokohama San Diego’s sister city. This gift symbolized a lasting bond between the two. This original however remains here in San Diego. It is a beloved landmark a reminder of the city’s heritage and its precious water resources. The Guardian stands as a silent sentinel. It watches over San Diego a symbol of both its past and its future.