At 81 feet tall and 180 tons, it is thought to be the world’s largest

solid granite monument. The National Monument to the Forefathers, formerly known as the Pilgrim Monument, commemorates the Mayflower Pilgrims and honors their Christian ideals and values. The ‘matrix of liberty’ combines those ideals and values of Faith, Morality, Law, Education, and Liberty, that when adhered to creates a free society for the people, and by the people.

The Monument was commissioned by the Pilgrim Society, built with public funding, and designed by Hammatt Billings. It is located on Allerton Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts and was dedicated on August 1, 1889. The forefathers’ matrix of liberty is the only successful strategy of liberty ever carried out in the history of mankind.

Nearly forgotten, the National Monument to the Forefathers

is rooted in God’s providential love. Not only is the monument a testament honoring the many sacrifices made by the Pilgrims seeking religious freedom but it is a formula for current and future generations to follow in order to keep Liberty alive.

“We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” ~ John Adams

The Matrix of Liberty, when applied, will produce Christian character without which, our founders felt certain, “there was no basis for a free and just nation.” The front panel is inscribed as follows: “National Monument to the Forefathers. Erected by a grateful people in remembrance of their labors, sacrifices and sufferings for the cause of civil and religious liberty.” The right and left panels contain the names of those who came over on the Mayflower. The rear panel consists of a quote: “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all praise.” ~ Governor William Bradford (Plymouth Colony, 1600’s)

Liberty wears a slain lion skin on his back, his sword is sheathed, the chains once around his wrists and ankles are broken. Liberty is poised to defend our liberties whenever necessary.

Under the seat of Liberty are Tyranny Overthrown and Peace.

LibertyMorality holds the Ten Commandments in her left hand and the scroll of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, in her right. Depicted under the seat of Morality are Prophet and Evangelist.

Morality Law is holding the Statute of Law and extends a hand of mercy. Law peers directly into the heart and soul of an individual.

Depicted under the seat of Law are Justice and Mercy.

Law Education points to the Book of Knowledge.

Depicted under the seat of Education are a mother and child symbolizing Youth following Experience and Wisdom of Maturity depicted by an elder person.

Education

FaithA virtuous figure standing 36 feet tall, Faith points toward heaven as if to say “Trust in God” while her left hand clutches a Geneva Bible. The star on Faith’s forehead indicates honor and the importance of gaining knowledge through the Bible. Faith’s foot rests on Plymouth Rock.Faith preserves freedom.

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

The monument’s pedestal is octagonal, with four large

seated figures representing the Christian values and principles made known by the Pilgrims. See descriptions below.

The smaller figures shown in relief around the base represent virtues and depictions of the Pilgrims and their journey.

Next to Liberty is Landing Next to Morality is Embarcation Next to Law is Treaty Next to Education is Compact

National Monument to the Forefathers

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