The fountain is a magnificent piece of Beaux-Arts architecture designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, who is also known for designing the United States Supreme Court building in Washington D.C. The James Scott Memorial Fountain was completed in 1925 and remains one of Detroit’s most iconic landmarks.
The fountain itself is a large, multi-tiered structure made of white marble. It features a lower basin with several bronze figures that shoot streams of water upwards. The central feature is a water cascade that shoots jets of water high into the air, surrounded by various sculpted figures, including lions, turtles, and cherubs, which are often characteristic of Beaux-Arts design.
Atop the fountain is the statue of James Scott, depicted seated, and looking out over the fountain. Scott was a wealthy Detroit real estate developer known for his somewhat contentious lifestyle, which included gambling and various legal disputes. Despite his reputation, he left a significant portion of his estate to the City of Detroit to build the fountain, with the stipulation that it includes a life-sized statue of himself.James Scott inherited his wealth from his father and was a well-known figure in Detroit society, though not always well-regarded due to his lifestyle. When he died in 1910, his will left approximately $500,000 to the city to build the fountain, with the controversial condition that it includes a statue of him. Some citizens and city officials were opposed to honoring Scott in such a manner, given his reputation.
However, after much debate, the city accepted the bequest and built the fountain as a way to beautify Belle Isle and create a lasting monument for public enjoyment. The controversy surrounding Scott’s bequest and the stipulation for his statue’s inclusion did not deter the city from erecting the fountain, which has since become a beloved part of Detroit’s cultural heritage.The James Scott Memorial Fountain has been a gathering place for Detroiters and visitors alike for nearly a century. It is a centerpiece of Belle Isle, a 982-acre island park in the Detroit River, designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The park and fountain are a place of recreation, relaxation, and a venue for special events and photography, particularly during the warm months when the fountain is in operation.
The fountain underwent a significant restoration in 2013, ensuring its continued operation and preservation as a historic landmark. The James Scott Memorial Fountain remains a testament to Detroit’s past, a refl