The prototype of this column is seen in Trajan's Column in the Forum of
Trajan or in the Column of Marcus Aurelius, in Rome.
Architect - Symmes Richardson, one of the junior partners of the firm of
McKim, Meade and White of New York.
The bas-reliefs at the base are by Isadore Konti of New York.
The sum of all human effort is represented. Man's spiritual progress is seen on the four sides of the base.
Atlas rolling the heavens suggests the passage of time.
Men with their different ideals in the long procession of progress are seen. Some go manfully on, some fearfully, some feel the need of the sword to win their way, others find companions necessary, but all of these men and women must have faith (represented by the two meaningful women at the door), the hope of the palm of victory, and hear the bugle call as they go on their upward climb.
They pass before us, these men and women of different aspirations, and disappear from view.
Up, up they climb.
At the top of the column is Hermon A. McNeil's Burden Bearers, supporting his Adventurous Bowman.
"All must toil to win" and some must bend their backs that others may rise. Has it not been so at the Panama Canal?