Corning Fountain 🇺🇸

When you visit Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut, you will encounter the Corning Fountain, an impressive 28-foot sculpture crafted from bronze and granite. Dedicated in 1899, this two-tiered fountain was designed by sculptor J. Massey Rhind and gifted to the city by John J.

Corning. It stands as a tribute to his father, John Benton Corning, a local businessman who once operated a grist mill right on this site. As you explore the monument, look up to see Hartford's emblem—a bronze stag, or hart—crowning the very top tier.

Below, the sculpture highlights stylized Indigenous figures, including four bronze Oneida maidens encircling the central pedestal. Surrounding the lower basin, you can admire four distinct bronze Saukiog braves: one holding a spear on the west side, one in a feathered headdress scanning the horizon on the south, one raising a tomahawk on the east, and one extending a peaceful gesture with a peacepipe on the north. As water cascades down the tiers into a large concrete base basin, notice the four lion heads functioning as spouts below the lower tier, offering a memorable, historic sight during your walk through the park.

What to see at Corning Fountain

• Stand before the 28-foot bronze and granite landmark designed by J. Massey Rhind.
• Admire the topping bronze stag, or hart, serving as Hartford's emblem.
• Examine four detailed bronze Saukiog braves surrounding the lower basin.
• See the center pedestal encircled by four bronze Oneida maidens.
• Spot the four lion head water spouts located below the lower basin.

Visiting tips

Be sure to locate the bronze plaque at the base of the fountain to read the 1899 dedication from John J. Corning to his father.

How long: 15-30 minutes · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Corning Fountain is easy to reach on Hartford’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and Trinity College Chapel, Hartford. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Hartford travel guide.