A fountain and sculpture that was erected in the early 20th century, the Pioneer Monument is an essential landmark in Denver, Colorado. Connected to the culture that defined the early days of the city, the piece has changed in appearance several times and is set to further evolve on multiple levels, highlighting how monuments can be updated to both reflect the community of the present and celebrate history in a more reflective manner.
Connected to “Manifest Destiny”
Originally commissioned in 1904, the Pioneer Monument was created by Frederick William MacMonnies. It was intended to be a display of Denver’s place as part of the “Manifest Density” belief that defined the settling of the American West. It was a part of Mayor Robert W. Speer’s participation in the City Beautiful movement.
The initial design featured a mounted Native American man at the top but public outcry caused it to be replaced by a statue of Kit Carson. This figure loomed over larger than life-size cast bronze sculptures that would be placed on each side of the Pioneer Monument, which depict a pioneer woman, a hunter, and a prospector.
The figures and fountain made of bronze with a large marble base defined downtown Denver for many decades but the recontextualization of “Manifest Density” and Carson’s legacy changed how the modern community viewed the monument. Carson’s policy against the Navajo people to force them to submit to the reservation system and the Pioneer Monument’s placement of his statue above the others became an issue for audiences. It’s why the Kit Carson statue would be removed by a Denver city crew in 2020.
The community is currently going through a re-examination of the history and culture that is an inherent part of the monuments and landmarks located across the city, which has compelled the creation of a commission to examine all controversial names within the City of Denver. This endeavor will see the Pioneer Monument further evolve, highlighting what it means for a monument to simultaneously connect with the past and present of an entire community.
The Evolution of History and Legacy
As the community works to rethink how they remember and celebrate the history and legacy of Denver, landmarks like the Pioneer Monument will evolve on multiple levels. There are currently plans to redesign the area, going back to the original circular design. This effort showcases what it can mean for monuments to drive and define what communities of all types celebrate in the present and future.
