Corning Fountain, Hartford

Located in Bushnell Park, Hartford’s Corning Fountain is both a work of public art and a historical tribute. Standing 28 feet tall and made of bronze and granite, the two-tiered fountain was designed by sculptor J. Massey Rhind and dedicated in 1899. It was donated to the city by John J. Corning to honor his father, John Benton Corning, a prominent local businessman who once operated a grist mill on the site.

The fountain features a rich array of sculptural details. Around the lower basin, four bronze figures of Saukiog braves represent different postures and gestures-one holds a spear, another raises a tomahawk, one wears a feathered headdress and scans the distance, and another offers a peace pipe with an outstretched hand. Above them, the central pedestal supports four Oneida maidens, gracefully encircling the base of the upper basin. Topping the fountain is a bronze hart-a male stag-symbolizing Hartford itself.

Animal heads also served as decorative spouts: a catamount, bear, fox, and beaver once adorned the upper basin (though these have since been removed), while four lion heads at the base still function as water spouts. Water cascades from each tier, flowing into a wide concrete basin at the base.

A bronze plaque at the front of the fountain reads: "THIS FOUNTAIN IS / ERECTED AS A TRIBUTE / TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN B. CORNING BY HIS SON / JOHN J. CORNING 1899."

More than just a decorative centerpiece, the Corning Fountain reflects Hartford's historical layers-from Indigenous roots to civic pride-cast in bronze and stone.