Source:
Archives & Oral History Department. (1982). Singapore
Retrospect Through Postcards: 1900 -1930. Singapore:
Sin Chew Jit Poh (S) Ltd. |
Do
you know that like the Tan Kim Seng Fountain, the Dalhousie
Obelisk had also been moved?
Erected
in 1850, the Dalhousie Obelisk was to commemorate the visit
of the Marquis of Dalhousie, Governor-General of India. It
was designed by John Turnbull Thomson.
In
its original position, it stood near the Anderson Bridge on
the North Bank of the river, close to the waterfront.
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By
1906, the Obelisk was moved to a position in front of the
Victoria Memorial Hall. The distance between the hall and
the obelisk was much shorter than its current position.
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Source:
National Archives of Singapore |
Source:
National Archives of Singapore |
By 1911, the Obelisk made its last and hopefully final move
and it was moved to its current position, between the Anderson
and Cavenagh Bridge. Standing further from the Victoria Memorial
Hall, the obelisk served as a landmark for the people during
this period of time.
By
this period, the Saint Andrew's Cathedral and Cricket Club
had also been built.
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Forgotten
by most, the Obelisk is now partially hidden by the tall buildings
around it as well as the trees which too were towering above
it. Hence, other than the occasional couple who came by for
wedding photography, the obelisk continues to stand in silence.
In
its current position, the Dalhousie Obelisk stood silently,
bearing witness to the changing scenes along the Singapore River.
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