Statue of John Winthrop

The Statue of John Winthrop is a bronze monument displayed outside First Church in Boston, showing the historical figure holding a book, a scroll, and the great seal of Massachusetts. The sculpture stands as a focal point in this central Boston location, marking an important figure from the city's early years.

The sculpture was created in 1873 by artist Richard Saltonstall Greenough and originally placed in Scollay Square in the heart of the city. It was moved to its current location at First Church in 1904, where it has remained as a reminder of Boston's founding era.

The statue depicts Winthrop holding objects that represent his ideas and work in early Boston, serving as a place where visitors can connect with the city's founding period. People walking by often pause to observe the figure and the inscriptions that tell about his role in shaping the region.

The monument sits outside First Church in downtown Boston where public transportation connections make it easy to reach on foot or by bus. The best viewing experience occurs during daylight hours when details are clearest and weather allows comfortable observation from the surrounding plaza.

During a fire at the church in 1968, the statue was knocked over and separated from its head, which was kept in storage for years. Once the church reconstruction finished in 1975, the sculpture was restored to its complete form and returned to its place outside the building.

Location: Boston

Inception: 1873

Creator: Richard Saltonstall Greenough

GPS coordinates: 42.35378,-71.07503

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22