Stone memorializing William Cullen Bryant

Item

Legacies Classification
Memorial Object
Memorial Type
Plaque/Marker
Memorial Context
Memorialized Subject
Bryant, William Cullen
Title
Stone memorializing William Cullen Bryant
Background and Context
The “Walk of Fame” was created in 1929 by then-president Hamilton Holt to honor significant historical figures. The memorial is located in the center of campus around Mills Lawn.

William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878) was a poet, writer, and newspaper editor. He wrote a number of books of poetry, including "The Embargo," "Thanatopsis," and a book simply titled "Poems."

In 1825 he moved to New York City and became editor of the New York Review. Two years later, he started working at the New York Evening Post, which he edited for over fifty years until his death in 1878.

Bryant strongly opposed slavery and was a member of the Free Soil Party, which focused on opposing the expansion of slavery into the newly acquired Western territories of the United States. In 1854 was one of the founders of the Republican Party.

The stone used for Bryant's memorial in the Walk of Fame was taken from the wall surrounding the ruins of the house Bryant was born in and was placed in the Walk of Fame in October 1929 as one of the original 20 stones.
Holt, Hamilton
Physical Description
2x1 ft rectangular stone.
Memorial Inscription
BRYANT
Cummington, Mass.
Creator/Participating Person(s)
Holt, Hamilton
Date created, installed or dedicated
October 1929
Campus Location
Location: Institution, City, State

Position: 853 (87 views)