The Clara Barton sculpture was made by nationally recognized Maryland-based sculptor Toby Mendez. Mendez explained the project, which immortalizes in bronze the woman often called the “Florence Nightingale of America.” The completed public art project, in Hagerstown-Washington County, is a memorial to Clara Barton’s “first response to care.” Mendez said, “It was at the Battle of Antietam in 1862 where Clara Barton first demonstrated and developed this philosophy that she would later bring to help create the American Red Cross.” Mendez also said, “This memorial depicts Clara Barton giving aide to a fallen soldier. The sculpture recognizes her groundbreaking moment of becoming the first nurse officially given permission to be on the battlefield ‘under fire.’ Her actions and her immediate response saved many lives.” Many soldiers were cared for, as they were treated in makeshift hospitals throughout Hagerstown and Washington County.

The city of Hagerstown donated the site near the Park Circle Triangle at 319 Summit Avenue. The Clara Barton Memorial Fund was established through the Community Foundation of Washington County, and with former U. S. Senator and former long-time American Red Cross CEO Elizabeth Dole acting as honorary chairperson of the sculpture committee, the fundraising efforts were successful. Including the City’s in-kind land donation and site preparations of $60,000, nearly $800,000 was raised. Significant local support helped stimulate national interest in the project. The Clara Barton Memorial Committee felt that the memorial is a well-deserved and long-overdue acknowledgement. “The Clara Barton Memorial celebrates nurses and first responders,” Toby Mendez said. I parked at 39.6374403, -77.7276133 and took the pictures below.

Source

Clara Barton Memorial Dedication. Hagerstown.org