Here is a model of the proposed monument, "The Spirit of Columbia," to be erected at Pershing Square in memory of Civil war veterans. This memorial, designed by Alexander Finta and standing 18 feet high, depicts the spirit of Columbia with a life-size Civil War infantryman.; Former Mayor Cristobal Aguilar signed Pershing Square into being in 1866. At the time, Pershing Square was called La Plaza Abaja ("The Lower Plaza"). However, it was renamed Pershing Square in 1918 in honor of General John J. Pershing. The park was first renovated in 1911; in the 1950s a car garage was built beneath it; and in 1994, it was completely redesigned by architect Ricardo Legoretta and landscapist Laurie Olin and was rededicated on February 3, 1994. Pershing Square takes up the entire block and is bounded by 5th Street to the north, 6th Street to the south, Hill Street to the east, and Olive Street to the west.
Statues--California--Los Angeles Downtown Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Calif.) United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Monuments Pershing Square (Los Angeles, Calif.) Herald-Examiner Collection photographs Finta, Alexander,1881-
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
