The Tyler Davidson Fountain was created in 1871 and stands a towering 43 feet tall.
The fountain is located in the downtown area of Cincinnati, Ohio and has, since its construction, become a symbol of the city. Positioned at the top of the fountain, a figure of woman stands nine feet tall with her hands outstretched. She represents the 'genius of water'. Water flows forcefully from her hands rippling over the rest of the fountain. Just below the female figure are four adult males who demonstrate the ways in which water sustains life. There are also four figures of children depicting the ways in which water is enjoyed. The base of the fountain has four relief panels showing the industrial uses of water. On each side of the lower tier there are four drinking spouts which were actually used by pedestrians during the late 1800s.
The Tyler Davidson Fountain was a memorial to Davidson commissioned by his brother-in-law Henry Probasco. Probasco was a world traveler and went all the way to Germany to find an artist who had the skill and passion to create the memorial that Probasco had in mind. He persuaded the great designer and artist, August von Kreling, who was the creator of some of the greatest fountains in Europe, to design and build the Tyler Davidson Fountain. Most of Kreling's work was a collaboration with another artist, Ferdinand von Miller. Both of these artists worked at the Royal Bronze Foundry of Bavarin and worked together on the Tyler Davidson Fountain.
The Tyler Davidson Fountain is turned off each winter and turned on again in April for the first home game of the Cincinnati Reds. The fountain was featured in the credits of the television series WKRP in Cincinnati. Fountain Square is located at Fifth Street and Vine and the original miniature model of the fountain is located in the Cincinnati Art Museum. The Tyler Davidson Fountain is the oldest monument in downtown Cincinnati and the most visited fountain in the United States. It offers a constant reminder of the important role water played click for more in the building of great American cities like Cincinnati.