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Court Square Fountain: Montgomery's Historic Centerpiece

A historic landmark in Montgomery, AL, the Court Square Fountain marks the site of an ancient artesian well and a crossroads of American history.

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The Court Square Fountain in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, has been a focal point since 1885. Built atop an artesian well used by Native Americans, it's adorned with Greek mythology statues and has witnessed pivotal historical events, including the city's slave trade and the Civil Rights Movement.

A brief summary to Court Square Fountain - Artesian Basin

  • Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the day to fully appreciate the fountain's intricate details and the surrounding historic buildings.
  • Take a stroll around Court Square to explore other nearby landmarks, such as the Winter Building and the Rosa Parks Museum.
  • Check out the Montgomery Civil Rights Walk of Freedom, a self-guided tour that highlights significant locations from the Civil Rights Movement.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Alabama State Capitol, head south on Dexter Avenue. The Court Square Fountain will be on your right, approximately a 10-minute walk (0.5 miles). Orientation is easy as you are heading directly down the main avenue in Montgomery.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Area Transit System (The M) offers several bus routes that stop near Court Square. Check the M's website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. The Intermodal Center is the main transit hub, a few blocks away. A single ride fare is $1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from most downtown locations will cost approximately $5-$10, depending on the distance and demand. Use landmarks like the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa or the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre as reference points for your driver.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Court Square in downtown Montgomery. Metered street parking is available around Court Square and is free after 5:00 PM and on weekends. There are also several parking lots within a few blocks, with hourly rates typically ranging from $1-$2 per hour. Keep in mind that parking can be limited during peak hours or special events.

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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. In its early days, the area surrounding the well was a hub of activity, witnessing the convergence of two nascent communities, Alabama Town and New Philadelphia, which would later coalesce to form Montgomery. 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 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. These statues, initially made of zinc iron, were replaced with aluminum versions in the 1980s. 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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