Bunker Hill Monument 1845 - 1900

This photograph by Josiah Johnson Hawes captures the Bunker Hill Monument. It’s a striking obelisk dedicated to the battle fought here during the American Revolutionary War. The obelisk is not just a marker, but a symbol laden with history. Think back to ancient Egypt, where obelisks were erected to honor the sun god Ra, representing power, regeneration, and stability. This shape wasn't confined to the sands of Egypt, no; it surfaces again in the Roman Empire, and even in contemporary monuments, each time carrying echoes of its original context yet imbued with new meaning. In this context, the obelisk at Bunker Hill transcends being a mere monument, becoming a vessel of collective memory, evoking feelings of patriotism, sacrifice, and national identity. The upward thrust of the obelisk embodies the spirit of a nation striving for freedom, a timeless symbol resonating across generations.