Abraham Lincoln: "Right to Rise" - Hartford, CT

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Right to Rise

Hartford, CT

Topic: Abraham Lincoln

"Right to Rise"

Plaque

GPS: N41° 45.909; W072° 40.113

Quick Description: 

Right to Rise the title of the abstract sculpture based on Lincoln's belief of equality of opportunity. It's installed in the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront in Hartford, CT

Long Description:

Sixteen abstract and traditional sculptures related to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln are installed along the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront in Hartford and East Hartford.

Lincoln believed that all citizens should be afforded a fair chance to succeed through their hard work and intelligence. An abstract sculpture symbolizing the right to rise stands besides a plaque that contains a quote from Lincoln about opportunity and describes Lincoln's beliefs and his advocacy for the Homestead Act.

The metal sculpture is a vertical tower which tapers outward from its base. Three levels, consisting of upward spirals, are connected by ladder-like elements. The plaque is inscribed:

{Profile of Lincoln}
Lincoln
Financial
Sculpture
Walk at
Riverfront
{five wavy lines}
Right to Rise
Don Gummer, 2003

"It is a struggle...maintaining in the world, that form, and substance of
government, whose leading object is ... to lift artificial weights from all
shoulders; to clear the paths of laudable pursuits for all; to afford all an
unfettered start, and a fair chance, in the race of life"

As a son of the frontier, Abraham Lincoln understood America's potential to
offer each individual, regardless of origin, the opportunity to rise up the
economic ladder and better themselves to the greatest extent of their ability.
This belief manifested itself in Lincoln's advocacy for the Homestead Act,
which allowed citizens to claim 160 acres of public land in return for farming
the property for five years. He considered this one of the signature
accomplishments of his administration, allowing the United States to be a
country where its residents can succeed through hard work and intelligence.

The Lincoln Financial is an insurance company based in Philadelphia with offices in Hartford.