Settling of the Seaboard Sculpture

Carved into the very limestone of the Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial, the Settling of the Seaboard tells a multifaceted story. The Settling of the Seaboard isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a conversation between the past and the present. This relief carving by Wheeler Williams depicts four figures. A young man, a woman dramatically gesturing towards the horizon, an infant in her arms, and a Native American seated peacefully beside them. The sculpture is a celebration of the earliest settlers in the United States. It’s also a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between the newcomers and the indigenous people who already called this land home. Wheeler Williams, a Chicago native, was known for his monumental works. He crafted sculptures for bridges, post offices, and various public and private spaces. The Settling of the Seaboard is unique. It stands as the sole representation of a Native American among the original sculptures commissioned for the memorial. R. Sturgis Ingersoll, a member of the Fairmount Park Art Association’s committee for the Samuel Memorial, called the artwork a “somewhat conventional statement.” However, its presence speaks volumes. Inscriptions on the Settling of the Seaboard include quotes from William Penn and Alexander Whitaker. Penn’s words express his desire for peace and friendship with the Native Americans. Whitaker’s quote reflects gratitude for the land’s bounty. These inscriptions add another layer to the sculpture’s narrative, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the early settlers. The Settling of the Seaboard is part of the South Terrace. This terrace focuses on the settlement of the eastern coast and the birth of the United States. Other sculptures on the terrace include works like “The Birth of a Nation”, “The Puritan”, “The Quaker”, “The Revolutionary Soldier”, and “The Statesman”. The Settling of the Seaboard stands as a powerful reminder of the complexities of our nation’s origins.