“A suitably graceful and useless reminder.” That’s how one historian described the Dalhousie Obelisk. It stands before us now.
The Dalhousie Obelisk commemorates the visit of James Broun-Ramsay. He was the 1st Marquis of Dalhousie and Governor-General of India.
Singapore was then part of the Straits Settlements. It was administered under British India. The mercantile community hoped his visit would boost free trade.
Dalhousie’s visit lasted from February 17 to 19 in 1850. Local leaders showcased Singapore’s economic potential. They hoped he would initiate changes to benefit them.
The Marquis was accompanied by his wife. They were received with enthusiasm by locals and expatriates.
The Dalhousies stayed at Government House. This is now Fort Canning. He visited key institutions and listened to speeches. He also donated 1,000 rupees to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
The Dalhousie Obelisk was erected by 1851. It became the first public statue in Singapore.
A committee formed to erect the monument. Names like Joaquim d’Almeida and Tan Kim Seng are engraved on it. They are a testament to their contributions.
The monument’s construction wasn’t without controversy. Some questioned the value of commemorating Dalhousie’s visit. They noted a monument for Stamford Raffles didn’t yet exist.
Despite objections, Governor William J. Butterworth approved the proposal. Funds were raised quickly.
John Turnbull Thomson designed the obelisk. He drew inspiration from Cleopatra’s Needle in London.
Originally, the Dalhousie Obelisk stood at Dalhousie Ghaut. This was near the Singapore River’s mouth. It was made of brick plastered to look like a monolith.
The monument features inscriptions in Jawi, Chinese, Tamil, and English. It says that it was erected by the inhabitants of Singapore to commemorate the visit of the Marquis of Dalhousie. He recognized the wisdom of liberating commerce.
The obelisk cost $1,305. It was funded by $5 subscriptions from at least 200 residents.
Remaining funds bought special lamps from England. They were meant to light the monument. However by the 1930s, these lamps were no longer lit.
During the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese removed the railings.
The Dalhousie Obelisk has been moved several times. In 1886, it was moved for Connaught Drive’s construction. It moved again in 1890 closer to Dalhousie’s landing spot. In 1910, it was moved to Anderson Bridge’s north side. The next year it was put to its present location near the Asian Civilisations Museum.
So here it stands the Dalhousie Obelisk. It is a reminder of Singapore’s colonial past. It is also a symbol of the mercantile community’s hopes.