Was there ever a memorial born of tragedy and deep friendship? Here at Butts Corner stands the Butt-Millet Memorial Fountain. It is a poignant reminder of Archibald Butt and Francis Davis Millet. These two men lost their lives on the RMS Titanic in 1912.
Butts Corner marks a special place. The fountain commemorates two notable figures. Archibald Butt was President Taft’s military aide. Francis Davis Millet was a celebrated artist and journalist. Their bond was so profound that their friends erected this memorial. Congress sanctioned it.
Archibald Butt served multiple roles. He worked in the Philippines. He was later promoted to major. Butt was known for his negotiating skills. He became Taft’s de facto chief negotiator on budget issues.
Francis Davis Millet was more than an artist. He served as vice chair of the United States Commission of Fine Arts. This commission oversees the aesthetics of construction in Washington D.C. Millet also had same-sex relationships.
Butt and Millet lived together in a large mansion. They hosted parties attended by important people. Newspapers described their friendship as a Damon and Pythias relationship. Some historians believe they were gay lovers.
In 1912, as Taft’s first term neared its end, Butt grew depressed. Millet suggested a vacation. They embarked on a six-week trip to Europe. For their return, they booked passage on the Titanic. Both men perished when the ship sank. Over 1,500 lives were lost.
Taft was heartbroken by Butt’s death. He wept openly at a memorial service. He said Butt was like a son or brother to him.
Senator Augustus Octavius Bacon introduced a resolution. It authorized a memorial to Butt and Millet. He argued they were public servants who deserved recognition.
Taft chaired the memorial committee. The memorial was to be placed on federally owned land. Initially, a bronze tablet was planned. Later, the committee decided to add a fountain. Thomas Hastings and Daniel Chester French were chosen as designers.
The Butt-Millet Memorial Fountain was dedicated on October 25, 1913. There was no ceremony. The fountain features an octagonal granite base. A Tennessee marble bowl sits atop it. A granite column rises from the bowl’s center.
Two bas-relief figures adorn the column. One represents chivalry for Butt. The other represents art for Millet. Water flows from globes in the bowl. It cascades into a shallow receptacle. The fountain bowl was designed as a water source for horses.
The inscription reads: “In memory of Francis Davis Millet and Archibald Willingham Butt. This monument has been erected by their friends with the sanction of Congress.” The Butt-Millet Memorial Fountain stands as a tribute to friendship. It honors service and sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of the Titanic’s tragic tale.