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Notes (historical):
This photograph depicts the monumental marble entrance to Abington Grove, with soldiers flanking the sides of the arch and an American eagle on top. The white pine trees at Abington seen beyond this arch are collectively known as "Abolition Grove," supposedly "where the Civil War began." Some of the greatest minds of the civil War period, both men and women, gave speeches about abolition in this location. Noah Webster, who loved nature and the open air, lectured here, as did William Lloyd Garrison. Garrison spoke on the subject of West Indian Empancipation in 1854 and said that "The great event which we celebrate to-day, shows that slavery can only be overthrown by adherence to principle." A huge boulder erected by Abington soldier Moses N. Arnold marks the spot where the orators spoke. There is a copper inscription which lists the speakers and a poem by Garrison. In addition to have immense historical significance, the people of Abington frequently celebrate the anniversaries of their town in this location. (Simmons, Historic Trees of Massachusetts, 34-38)
IIIF Manifest