So this week in class we covered memorials. I learned that even
the most basic monument, from an intricate design to a block of several stones,
has many features that many overlook such as location or positioning. Although
we covered most of the topic about this one thing that I think we overlooked is
how monuments have progressed throughout the years. Even though we have found
more intricate designs in the older ages, I was curious whether the U.S. is
still continuing the modern trend of basic architecture in their monuments and
memorials.
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| Picture of New Castle Court House |
So like any modern researcher, my first
destination was the internet. I first found a Presidential Proclamation that
explained that 5 new monument were going to built in the upcoming years. One in particular is the “First State
National Monument” in New Castle, Delaware, which is commemorated to the state
to be the first to ratify the Constitution. Also, unlike the other monuments we
covered, this one is an actual building that has been turned into a museum to
represent a courthouse. This monument also is made to represent the conflict
that the Delaware had with Britain at the time. So even though wars are
remembered through basic structures such as the Vietnam memorial, it seems the
U.S. has a different thought on architecture for other historical events.
I think the main factoring behind this memorial not being as basic is that it is honoring a state and not just soldiers. Do you remember what the other new memorials are going to be for? I'm curious.
ReplyDeleteI like how this memorial is about American history that does not involve a war, specifically because I believe that a decent amount of memorials found in America are somehow connected to a war.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that there are different styles of American architecture for different types of memorials.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is great in that it broadens the discussion of memorials from war/missing soldiers memorials to memorials that honor something else, like a great achievement or a historical moment. These kinds of memorials certainly show how differences in purpose can create difference in architecture and symbolism.
ReplyDeleteI think it makes sense that American architecture is different from other types. It reflects the pride and loss felt for those who fought to protect their families and country.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy the fact that you pointed out that memorials like this are allowed more room to be more elaborate so to speak. The ones in Washington are full of symbolism in a smaller space in order to keep room for the future and allow a stronger message to emanate from the memorial. Different matters require different kinds of memorials.
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