Erskine Memorial Fountain

Erskine Memorial Fountain is a bronze fountain featuring maritime creatures like dolphins and seahorses, accompanied by a Georgia marble bench engraved with zodiac designs. The composition combines sculptural ornament with a functional gathering space in the park.

Sculptor J. Massey Rhind designed the fountain and presented it to Atlanta in 1896, first located on Peachtree Street. The structure was relocated to its current Grant Park setting in 1912, marking a shift in the city's public monument placement.

The memorial honors Judge John Erskine, whose role as a federal judge from 1865 to 1883 helped shape Georgia during the post-Civil War period. His memory remains central to understanding the city's judicial heritage.

The fountain is located within Grant Park and is accessible on foot from downtown Atlanta with good walkways and general accessibility. It is in an open public space, so it can be visited at any time, though early morning or late afternoon light is often best for viewing.

It was Atlanta's first public fountain and originally featured bronze drinking cups attached with chains for public use. These cups show how fountains once served as essential public infrastructure for everyday community needs.