Golden Gate Park – Thomas Starr King

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Thomas Starr King – Bronze – 1892 – by Daniel Chester French

This statue was unveiled by Thomas Starr King’s grandchildren on October 26, 1892.

Thomas Starr King was born December 17, 1824 Mr. King was an American Unitarian and Universalist minister, influential in California politics during the American Civil War. Starr King spoke zealously in favor of the Union and was credited by Abraham Lincoln with preventing California from becoming a separate republic. He wrote a book about Yosemite National Park, where there is a peak named for him. He died of diphtheria in San Francisco March 4, 1864.

The sculpture, which cost $18,000, was executed in New York City. It stands on a pedestal of pink Missouri granite.

Daniel Chester French is one of America’s most important sculptors. His works include the seated figure of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. and the Minute Men statue in Concord Massachusets.

French was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1850. He was a neighbor and friend of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the Alcott family. His decision to pursue sculpting was influenced by Louisa May Alcott’s sister May Alcott. French died in Stockbridge, Massachusetts in 1931 at age 81 and was buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, Massachusetts.