The Column of Progress


The prototype of this column is seen in Trajan's Column in the Forum of
Trajan or in the Column of Marcus Aurelius, in Rome.

Architect - Symmes Richardson, one of the junior partners of the firm of
McKim, Meade and White of New York.

The bas-reliefs at the base are by Isadore Konti of New York.

The sum of all human effort is represented. Man's spiritual progress is
seen on the four sides of the base.

Atlas rolling the heavens suggests the passage of time.

Men with their different ideals in the long procession of progress are
seen. Some go manfully on, some fearfully, some feel the need of the
sword to win their way, others find companions necessary, but all of
these men and women must have faith (represented by the two meaningful
women at the door), the hope of the palm of victory, and hear the bugle
call as they go on their upward climb.

They pass before us, these men and women of different aspirations, and
disappear from view.

Up, up they climb.