noah webster memorial

Noah Webster (1758-1843) was an American lexicographer most known for his contribution to the Webster Dictionary. Webster attended Yale, served in the American Revolution, and studied law. Wanting to improve American education after noticing flaws in teaching, Webster began writing texts to improve language and grammar.

While originally from Connecticut, Webster moved with his wife Rebecca to Amherst where he helped found Amherst College. A memorial was placed in his name between Johnson Chapel and Stearns Church in 1914. After a hurricane in 1938 that destroyed the area surrounding the memorial, Webster’s statue was moved to Frost Library.

Artist: Richard Billings, Amherst College class of 1897