The Smith Monument looked pretty bad at the turn of the 20thy century too. This postcard shows the weather beaten 1864 monument after the top pedestal had broken off, but before it was renovated in 1914. Notice that the "modern" plaque has not yet been added at this time.

Hold your nose! The smell of the seagull droppings on the monument is powerful. This plaque was added in 1914 and, for those with a solid stomach, tells the tell of Capt. John Smith who "discovered" these Isles in 1614.

The cement patches have fallen apart again due to the harsh conditions on the Isles of Shoals, and the monument is now in worse repair than it was 100 years ago.

The original granite posts and iron rails from 1864 have deteriorated so badly that the top sections have come loose and are unlikely to survive much longer. The whole monument has become as fragile as Capt. Smith's place in the history of New England.

Digital photos by J. Dennis Robinson
© 1999 SeacoastNH.com

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