April 16, 2023 - The Kenan Memorial Fountain

The Kenan Memorial Fountain

Fifth and Market Streets

Wilmington, NC

April 16, 2023

The Kenan Memorial Fountain at Fifth and Market Streets is an architectural icon in the City of Wilmington. There are buildings and structures and places all over the world that connect you with a particular location, but the Kenan Fountain connects me to Wilmington. The fountain is an irreplaceable treasure and cannot be removed or replaced. Our City mothers and fathers must always remember this.

According to published sources, The fountain was given to the City of Wilmington in 1921 by William R. Kenan, Jr. in honor of his parents, Civil War veteran Captain William R. Kenan, and his wife, Mary Hargrave Kenan.

The fountain, which is approximately fourteen feet high, features a large central fountain composed of a bowl on a tall pedestal or stem sitting in a larger round basin. This entire structure rests atop a first tier which is divided into eight segments around the entire square structure. The center segment on the four sides forms a bench, and the fountain pools are located on either side of the corners. The water from the pool cascades into these basins, and carved fountain heads, in the shape of gargoyles and other classical figures, spray water into the center of the pool from the lower basins. Carved terrapins sit at the bottom of the central pedestal.

The fountain apparently became a traffic hazard, and in 1953 alterations were made to make in the center of a traffic circle to avoid further damage and improve traffic. Photographs

prior to this date indicate that the fountain featured an additional tier in the base, with shallow steps at the center of the four sides leading to the benches. In 1953 commemorative plaques were added above the benches.

With the automobile traffic after the 1920’s, the streets that surround the fountain became much more crowded and members of the city council proposed removing it to widen the street. Its removal was debated, but after strong protests from the New Hanover County Historical Commission, the city decided to shrink the fountain by removing the benches and lower pool around it in 1953. Since then, the fountain continues to be the focus of some accidents and calls have continued for its removal.

We cannot let this fountain be removed. Again, it is an icon and a architectural asset. Furthermore, I think it contributes positively to the promotion of tourism in our community. It is a source of pride.

I realize it creates vehicular traffic hazards above the normal. We should do everything to promote safety in this location, including proper notification of the coming circle ahead for motorists. But, under no circumstances should we ever remove this aesthetic treasure.

Much of the historical information in this blog was taken from Commemorative Landscapes, UNC-Chapel Hill.

For more information about the Kenan Fountain, go to Commemorative Landscapes-copy

and paste-https://docsouth.unc.edu/commland/monument/401/

The fountain is surrounded on three sides by significantly historic structures.

William R. Kenan, Jr. had the fountain constructed and given in honor of his parents.

First Baptist Church, built in 1808, serves a large congregation locally.

The Carolina Apartments were built in 1900 and were the home of famous local artist, Claude Howell, who was born in this building and resided here all his life.

The Bellamy Mansion was the home of a famous Wilmington family and is now operated as a museum. It is a very popular attraction in the community.

Around Our Town with Gene Merritt
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