Barry Goldwater was a nationally recognized politician during his lifetime whose influence can still be felt throughout his home state of Arizona. The Barry Goldwater Memorial, located in Paradise Valley outside of Phoenix in Arizona, recognizes this impact in a way that enables audiences to connect with his legacy while also defining what might otherwise be an empty or ordinary space in an especially profound way.
Dedicated to Five-term U.S. Senator from Arizona
Barry Goldwater was a five-term U.S. Senator from Arizona as well as the 1964 Republican nominee for President. He was an avid pilot, a talented photographer, and famous for his direct approach to politics. This reputation defined his status as the father of postwar American conservatism that would impact political discourse in the United States across multiple generations.
Unveiled in 2004, the Goldwater Memorial resides just below the hilltop house where Goldwater lived until his death in 1989. It features a botanical garden with an Arizona onyx quotation band that spirals around the space. Additionally, eight bronze medallions commemorate significant achievements in Goldwater’s life. The stonewalls that these medallions reside on resemble Anasazi patterns that reflect Goldwater’s association with Native Americans.
These features along with the native plants define the memorial but it is dominated by a one and one-half times life-size statue of Goldwater. Facing the west, the figure of Goldwater holds a camera in his right hand, which is a reference to his passion for photography. These elements highlight how the entire memorial reflects his life and legacy.
Located in an area of Paradise Valley that might otherwise be empty, the memorial creates engagement with audiences on multiple levels. That it has been able to do so for a town with a relatively small area and population highlights how monuments can be utilized to create such a powerful engagement with a physical space and immaterial legacy.
Legend and Legacy
Free for all to enjoy, the Barry Goldwater Memorial celebrates Goldwater’s legacy for the nation as well as his impact on Arizona with a memorial that actively utilizes many of the unique features of the state. It showcases how the endeavor to do so can create essential engagement and activity for both residents and visitors.
