The Puritan - Springfield, MA
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 42° 06.179 W 072° 35.105
18T E 699680 N 4664032
The original sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens of Deacon Samuel Chapin (The Puritan) is located Merrick Park on State Street in Springfield, MA
Waymark Code: WMHEY0
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 07/02/2013
Views: 6
"FOOT TOUR — 1.5 m.
6. In Merrick Park, corner of State St., is The Puritan, by Saint-Gaudens."
--- Massachusetts; a guide to its places and people. Page 363; copyright 1937
Chester W. Chapin acquired a fortune in the railroad business and later became a congressman from Massachusetts. In 1881, he commissioned the most famous American sculptor of the time, Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create a bronze statue of his ancestor Deacon Samuel Chapin (1595–1675), one of the three founders of the City of Springfield, MA.
Augustus Saint-Gaudens produced a startling and iconic bronze sculpture. A 12' figure of Samuel Chapin is depicted wearing large billowing cape while standing with a cane in his right hand and a large book under his left arm. The sculpture rests on a 5' high by 6' diameter ornate circular granite base designed by architect Sanford White. Three steps lead up to the base. The sculpture was cast at the Bureau Brothers foundry and dedicated on November 27, l887.
The statue proved to be very popular with the public. Saint-Gaudens then realized its profit potential and produced many versions of the statue that he entitled The Puritan. Today more than 25 copies of The Puritan are located in museums, art galleries, universities, and private collections.
The original sculpture of the The Puritan is located outside the main Springfield Library in Merrick Park on State Street. The base is inscribed:
1595 Anno Domini 1675
Deacon Samuel Chapin
One Of The Founders Of Springfield