A Forgotten Bronze Warrior: Garrison in Boston's Back Bay

For years, this 7 feet tall statue, designed by architect Joseph Morrill Wells, has been nestled amidst the grand Victorian houses along Commonwealth Avenue, its Quincy granite pedestal a testament to a bygone era. The sculpture is the work of Olin Levi Warner, an artist who thrived during the Gilded Age, his craftsmanship capturing the essence of a man who was no stranger to a stormy sea. So, why does this forgotten figure remain hidden from the everyday explorer?

The statue was unveiled in 1886, over half a century after Garrison's death. Despite the passage of time, the figure stands as a powerful reminder of Garrison’s enduring impact on American history. Best known for his fight against slavery, his battles on the home front were no less significant. From The Liberator, the newspaper he started, to the boycott of pro-slavery goods, his nationwide impact was felt far and wide, long after his time. Garrison, in his own words, 'was born for a stormy sea, and the storm was made for [him].'

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons