Photo byMarshall University

Nestled at the heart of Marshall University’s campus, a striking sculpture of green metal rods reaches skyward, culminating in a graceful jet of water that cascades into a reflecting pool below. This is the Marshall University Memorial Fountain—a site of deep significance and remembrance for the university community.

Generations have paused to interpret the fountain's form. Some see a tulip, others a chalice, but regardless of its interpretation, the fountain has become a profound symbol of life, memory, and resilience at Marshall University.

Remembering the 1970 Tragedy

The fountain was erected to honor the victims of the 1970 plane crash that claimed the lives of 75 people, including members of the Marshall University football team, coaching staff, and supporters. This tragedy devastated the Huntington community, nearly leading to the dissolution of the football program. Yet, from this grief emerged a powerful story of renewal, captured both in the university's history and in the 2006 film We Are Marshall.

The idea for the fountain began as the university sought a fitting way to memorialize those lost in the crash. As plans for a new student center were underway, the decision was made to transform its fountain into a memorial that would serve as a constant reminder of both the tragedy and the enduring spirit of those who were left behind.

The Vision Behind the Fountain

There was much debate over the fountain's design. Some advocated for a traditional representation—perhaps a bison, symbolizing the school mascot. However, the university’s art department pushed for an abstract piece—something timeless and open to interpretation. Ultimately, the abstract vision prevailed, leading to the commission of Harry Bertoia, an Italian-American artist renowned for his work with metal.

Bertoia's design was far from ordinary. His portfolio, which included everything from jewelry to large-scale public installations, was celebrated for its organic forms and interactive elements. For the Memorial Fountain, Bertoia bent and welded copper rods into a structure that stands nearly thirteen feet tall and weighs around 6,500 pounds. Despite the labor-intensive process, Bertoia accepted only $25,000 for his work—a modest sum even by the standards of the early 1970s.

The fountain’s organic form, with its dynamic, upward-reaching lines, was intended to symbolize life, renewal, and immortality. Bertoia explained that the sculpture was meant to celebrate life rather than dwell on death—a sentiment reflected in the lively interplay of metal and water.

Dedication and Legacy

The Memorial Fountain was dedicated on November 12, 1972, in a ceremony that resonated deeply with the Marshall community. It quickly became a central gathering place on campus, a space where students could reflect, celebrate, or simply pause in their busy lives.

Every year, on November 14, the anniversary of the crash, Marshall University holds a solemn Fountain Ceremony at the site. The event includes speeches, the laying of 75 white roses—one for each victim—and the symbolic shutting off of the fountain’s water, which remains off throughout the winter months. The water is turned back on during a special ceremony each April, marking the renewal of life and hope.

The fountain’s significance extends beyond its role as a memorial. It has become an emblem of Marshall University itself, featured on merchandise, in marketing materials, and even in the film We Are Marshall. For many, it’s impossible to walk through the campus without being drawn to the fountain’s serene presence and the memories it holds.

A Nationally Recognized Symbol

In July 2024, the Marshall University Memorial Fountain was added to the National Register of Historic Places—a rare honor for a monument of its kind. This designation recognizes not only the fountain’s age and artistic significance but also its profound impact on the community.

Today, the Memorial Fountain stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of Marshall University. Its presence on campus continues to inspire reflection and remembrance, serving as a symbol of life, renewal, and the power of community.