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Court Square Fountain: Montgomery's Historic Landmark

A historic landmark in Montgomery, AL, featuring Greek mythology-inspired statues and a rich history dating back to the city's origins.

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The Court Square Fountain in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, has been a landmark since 1885. Built atop an artesian well, it provided water for Native Alabamians long before the city's settlement. The fountain is adorned with statues inspired by Greek mythology, offering a serene oasis amidst the city's rich history.

A brief summary to Court Square Fountain - Artesian Basin

  • Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Take a leisurely stroll around the square to appreciate the surrounding historic architecture.
  • Check local event listings to experience community activities and performances in the square.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in downtown Montgomery, the Court Square Fountain is easily accessible by foot. From the Alabama State Capitol, head south on Dexter Avenue for about 0.5 miles. As you walk, you will pass various historic buildings. Continue until you reach the intersection with Montgomery Street, where you will find the fountain on your right. This pleasant walk will allow you to enjoy the local architecture and atmosphere. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Transit offers several bus routes that stop near Court Square. Bus lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, and 11 all have stops within a few minutes' walk of the fountain. The nearest bus stations are Perry & Dexter and Bibb & Commerce, each about a 3-minute walk away. A single ride fare on Montgomery Transit is typically $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. A short taxi or ride-share trip from a nearby location, such as the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, to Court Square Fountain typically costs between $5 and $10, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Court Square Fountain - Artesian Basin

The Court Square Fountain, located in the heart of Montgomery's Court Square-Dexter Avenue Historic District, is more than just a beautiful water feature; it's a living chronicle of the city's evolution. Established in 1885, the fountain graces the site of a natural artesian well, a vital water source utilized by Alabama's native peoples long before European settlement. This natural spring made the location a natural gathering place, and it eventually became the nucleus around which the city of Montgomery grew. The fountain itself is a masterpiece of cast iron artistry, crafted by the J. L. Mott Iron Works of New York. Crowning the fountain is a statue of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth and cupbearer to the gods, her raised cup symbolizing a welcoming gesture to visitors. Surrounding Hebe are other figures drawn from classical mythology, including seated boys and Narcissus figures, adding to the fountain's aesthetic appeal. However, this square also bore witness to a darker chapter in American history, serving as a central location for the Montgomery slave trade. Thousands of enslaved men, women, and children were brought to Montgomery by steamboat, railway, or on foot, warehoused in slave depots, sold at the Artesian Basin, and dispersed back across the South. The fountain's presence provides a poignant juxtaposition of natural beauty and historical complexity. Across from the fountain stands the Winter Building, a site of immense historical significance as the place from which the telegram ordering the firing on Fort Sumter was sent, igniting the Civil War. Nearby is the location where Rosa Parks' courageous refusal to give up her seat on a bus sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. The fountain, therefore, exists within a nexus of locations central to understanding American history.

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