The William H. Seward Monument is a small but prominent feature in Seward, Alaska. Honoring the person who helped enable the modern community as well as the entire state, the piece highlights what it can mean for a monument to enables connection with individuals, for entire communities and across eras.
“A Generation to Find Out”
Dedicated in celebration of the City of Seward’s 2003 centennial, the William H. Seward Monument is a bust of William Seward, who served as Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln in the 1860s. He negotiated the treaty for the United States to purchase the Alaska Territory in 1867 and is the namesake for the modern city.
The bust features one of Secretary Seward’s most famous quotes, as his decision to make the transaction was not a popular one and had even been referred to as “Seward’s Folly.” When asked what was the most significant act of his career, Seward declared, “The purchase of Alaska! But it will take a generation to find out.” Purchased at about two cents an acre, it has since been referred to as one of the most important acquisitions of land in the history of the United States.
Located just outside of a historic hotel and featuring seating and a setting that blends into the surrounding of the city of Seward, the William H. Seward Monument is one of a handful of attractions in the city that provide distinct experiences for both residents and visitors, highlighting how such landmarks can compel engagement on multiple levels.
An Essential Element of the Community
While other landmarks in the area are larger and more prominent, the unassuming nature of the William H. Seward Bust has enabled it to become an essential element of the community, further connecting it to the legacy of William Seward. Doing so has enabled connections for audiences that span the past and future of the entire city.
