You’ll spot the Tyler Davidson Fountain right in front of you, rising from the heart of Fountain Square-a shimmering bronze sculpture of a woman with arms outstretched, pouring streams of water from her fingers, all perched atop a grand, multi-tiered base surrounded by lively figures and glistening splashes.
Alright, get comfortable and take a look at Cincinnati’s very own superstar: the Tyler Davidson Fountain, also known as The Genius of Water! With her outstretched arms, the central figure is 9 feet tall and looks like she’s showering the city with rain-though unless you’re in for a splash zone moment, don’t stand too close! This fountain has been the pride of Cincinnati since 1871, serving as the grand centerpiece of Fountain Square. Right now, it’s surrounded by high rises, busy streets, restaurants, and a parade of locals and visitors, but just imagine what stood here nearly 150 years ago-a bustling market full of shouts, horses, and wagons clattering by.
Let’s rewind to the origin story. This isn’t just a decorative fountain; it’s a heartfelt memorial. After the unfortunate passing of Tyler Davidson, his brother-in-law and business partner, Henry Probasco, went on a very determined quest. We’re talking across-the-ocean determined-all the way to Munich, Germany. There, he discovered a pair of artists, August von Kreling and Ferdinand von Miller, who had designed a fountain to rival those in Europe, but with humanity, not mythical monsters, at its heart. He thought their work had potential but made one quirky request: he wanted animals on the drinking fountains. The result? Four adorable bronze boys-one with a dolphin, one with ducks, one with a snake, and the bravest of them all, riding a turtle!
The fountain is a marvel even by today’s standards. Cast from 24 tons of cannon bronze-yup, the same stuff old cannons were made of, bought from Denmark-and 85 tons of granite, assembled piece by piece and shipped overseas. Probasco convinced the city to clear away an old, run-down market on Fifth Street just for this project. I bet the neighbors were both excited and a little confused at the time! When dedication day came in 1871, more than 20,000 people gathered. Cheers, music, and probably a few “Is that really water coming from her hands?” echoed through the plaza. Architect William Tinsley, famous for grand designs around town, made sure the fountain would be the first thing travelers saw as they passed through.
For over 130 years, our Genius of Water was in the center of 5th Street, right where lifeblood buses and carriages once flowed by. But cities change, and so does our fountain’s address! In 1969, it was turned to face west, so drivers heading east on the new one-way street got the best view. Then, in 2006, as part of a $42 million makeover-no, that’s not a typo-the whole thing was moved again, to the north side of the square, farther from city traffic and a little closer to modern Cincinnati life. As part of the renovations, the fountain got an extreme makeover at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Bet she enjoyed the air conditioning!
And if you thought this beauty stood here humming old-timey tunes to herself, think again! The fountain is switched off for winter, but it’s brought dramatically back to life each spring to mark the Cincinnati Reds’ opening day-talk about a grand slam! The inscription carved into the green granite base, “To the People of Cincinnati,” reminds everyone that this fountain is for the whole city. She’s seen movies on the square, hockey games in winter, fireworks, hip-hop, opera, and, most famously, starred in the opening credits of TV’s “WKRP in Cincinnati.” Not bad for a 43-foot-tall watery wonder who weighs more than a city bus.
So, whether you’re admiring the intricate basso-relievo panels showing steam, water-power, navigation, and fisheries, or watching kids drink from the animal fountains, remember you’re standing at the very heart of Cincinnati. The Genius of Water hasn’t just quenched thirst-she’s witnessed a city grow, celebrate, even reinvent itself again and again. And she still manages to look fabulous.
