For many sites with great potential to house or become significant monuments, the main challenge is associated with the lack of an actual landmark that would be a fit to commemorate the history or cultural significance of the place. Plato’s Academy Park has more than enough space to fit a relevant monument, and the same is true of the Oslo Opera House. However, the opposite is true at the spot where the American victory at the first battle of Trenton, New Jersey, took place.
The Trenton Battle Monument, a triumphal column of granite that goes 148 feet into the air, clearly exemplifies what a monument can look like. However, the fact that the city and community have not embraced it in a meaningful manner represents a missed opportunity when it comes to the impact it could represent to the culture and economy of both.
Commemorating the American Victory at the First Battle of Trenton
The Trenton battle monument commemorates the American victory at the First Battle of Trenton, NJ, which took place in 1776. The victory at Trenton was a success on multiple levels, as it boosted the morale of what was at that point a dwindling and dispirited Continental Army. It also spurred the resolve of all the people who still believed in America’s war for independence.
The design of the Trenton Battle Monument is based on “The Monument”, a 1671 structure built to commemorate the Great Fire of London. The height of the Trenton monument is intentionally the same height as the London monument. A colossal bronze statue of General George Washington crowns the monument while two bronze statues of continental soldiers reside at the entrance. Additionally, three sides of the base are adorned with cast bronze plaques. The completed memorial was dedicated with elaborate ceremonies on October 19, 1893
While the monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, it faces a number of challenges that have prevented it from becoming an essential element of the region and community. It’s a stark distinction between it and other monuments that have a similar form and function.
So Much Monumentous Potential
An elevator that is currently inaccessible remains the only way to get to the vantage point of the monument. That is just one of the reasons the monument has been closed to visitors for so long, although the potential to do something so much more for the community as a whole is evident.
While the history of the area and Battle could be showcased in a relevant manner, the foyer doesn’t have any exhibits that would justify keeping it open to the public. Events that range from festivals to concerts could take place at or around the monument, but there hasn’t been a commitment to engage the residential community in this manner, which has prevented the site from becoming a major tourist attraction.
While numerous signs point residents and visitors to the location of the Trenton Battle Monument and it is viewable across the city, it’s not enough to compensate for the limited amount of activities that take place at the site. Some have mentioned that it would be ideal to see an arrangement where a local entity offers programming on weekends and holidays, or a partnership that provides commentary for groups by appointment.
Luckily, organizations like the Friends of the Trenton Battle Monument are committed to working with City, State and Federal resources to repair and maintain the site and structure. These efforts are essential in terms of seeing the site fulfill on the monumentous potential it contains.
