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1850 Rare Original Broadside Appeal for Funding of the Washington Monument !

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,600.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
1850 Rare Original Broadside Appeal for Funding of the Washington Monument !
Washington Related
1850 Broadside for Funding of the Washington Monument
February 1850-Dated, Printed Broadside with Decorative Ornamental Borders, for Funding of the Washington Monument, Very Fine.
February 1850-Dated, Large Printed Broadside, measuring 12.5” x 24”, at Washington, D.C., printed by John T. Tower in deep black on wove period paper. This historic Broadside is boldly headed: “To The People Of The United States.” urging individuals to rise to the occasion and open their pockets to help fund the construction of this historic WASHINGTON Monument. The broadside begins with: "The Board of Managers of the National Washington Monument Society are under the necessity of making another appeal to your patronage. - The funds which have been so far collected amounting about $100,000 are nearly exhausted. The monument is now 52 feet high, about one-tenth of its proposed elevation ... it is true that as yet, the stranger and sojourner in this country has still to ask, where is the National Monument, sacred to the memory of your illustrious Washington? Where is the proud memorial of your gratitude and your veneration? But his question is, it is hoped, soon to be answered; and the massive and sublime pile, as it rises to clouds can be pointed at, and every American abreast will throb with pride and exultation when it feel that the stigma of ingratitude no longer tarnishes the bright escutcheon of his country, and that an endearing memorial exists of that country's love, veneration and gratitude for him who stands alone in the annals of the world."

This historic Broadside is printed in a three column format within an outer decorative ornamental border. It is clean and very presentable, having just some light wrinkling, a couple small spots at upper right and three small rust pin holes at lower right. Two small fold separations are expertly archivally repaired.

This rare original funding appeal includes reprinting a Letter of support by Ex-President James Madison, accepting the Presidency of the National Monument Association dated at Montpelier on July 25, 1835. It reads, in part: “A Monument worthy of the memory of Washington,... of which our country may always be proud. (Signed) JAMES MADISON.” Also Signed in type by: President Z. Taylor, former President James K. Polk, future President Millard Fillmore, ex-Vice President G.M. Dallas, former President John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, Albert Gallatin, and Daniel Webster.

A handsome example of this rare original historical Broadside which has nice eye appeal, being a good candidate for framing and display. Rarely encountered, this is the very first original Broadside of this type and content we have offered.
The Washington National Monument Society was founded in 1833 by James Madison, John Marshall, and others.

This inspirational appeal urges Americans to demonstrate the esteem in which they hold their greatest hero. George Washington's military and political leadership were indispensable to the founding of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he rallied Americans from thirteen divergent states and outlasted Britain's superior military force. As the first president, Washington's superb leadership set the standard for each president that has succeeded him.

The Washington Monument towers above the city that bears his name, serving as an awe-inspiring reminder of George Washington's greatness. The monument, like the man, stands in no one's shadow. The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation's capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884).

Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.