“Philadelphia’s Greatest Philanthropist.”
The inscription on the base of the Stephen Girard Statue echoes the sentiment many felt for the man immortalized in bronze. You’re standing before Stephen Girard, a man who went from humble beginnings to becoming one of America’s wealthiest figures. This statue, crafted by John Massey Rhind and dedicated in 1897, originally stood at City Hall Plaza. In 1977, it found its current home at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Take a moment to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship.
Girard is depicted in a relaxed pose, holding his spectacles in his right hand. This detail is particularly interesting because Girard was blind in his right eye. The base of the Stephen Girard Statue is more than just a platform. It tells a story in itself. One side depicts Girard as a mariner and merchant, a nod to his entrepreneurial success with his ship, “The Water Witch.” Another side pays homage to his philanthropic spirit with a scene from Girard College.
Stephen Girard, a French immigrant who arrived in Philadelphia in 1776, amassed a fortune through shipping, banking, and real estate. His legacy, however, extends far beyond financial success. During the War of 1812, Girard’s bank single-handedly saved the US Treasury from bankruptcy by selling government bonds. Upon his death, he bequeathed a significant portion of his wealth to establish Girard College. This institution, still operating today, provides education to underprivileged students. The Stephen Girard Statue serves as a powerful reminder that even in death, one man’s vision can continue to shape lives for generations to come.