Abraham Lincoln: "Perseverance" - Hartford, CT

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Perseverance

Hartford, CT

Topic: Abraham Lincoln

 Perseverance

Plaque

GPS: N41° 46.432; W072° 39.986

Quick Description: 

Perseverance the title of the abstract sculpture based on Lincoln's ability to overcome adversity. 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 had many set-backs in his life. He never gave in to the temptation to quit but overcame each one. An abstract sculpture symbolizing perseverance stands besides a plaque that contains a quote from Lincoln about determination and a listing of the obstacles that Lincoln had to overcome. Perseverance is symbolized by two large blocks of granite placed side by side. A taller 7' high rectangular block is set at an angle leaning on a smaller, 5', roughly cubic block.

The plaque is inscribed: 

{Profile of Lincoln}

Lincoln

Financial

Sculpture 

Walk at

Riverfront

{five wavy lines}

Perseverance

Darrell Petit, 2005

"... you can not fail if you resolutely determine that you will not."

Lincoln is often regarded as a model for overcoming life's little adversities. He experienced many setbacks in life including:

• Defeated in his first run for the Illinois state legislature

• His first business, a store, failed

• His sweetheart died

• Defeated to be Speaker of the Illinois state house

• Defeated for nomination to Congress

• Defeated for U.S. Senate

• Defeated again for U.S. Senate

• Lost two sons - one at nearly four years of age, one at age 11

• Publicly maligned for his political positions

Despite these stumbling blocks, and perhaps because of them, Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the most revered presidents and possibly the most admired

American in U. S. history. 

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