Dalhousie Obelisk description and photos - Singapore: Singapore (Topic)

Dalhousie Obelisk description and photos - Singapore: Singapore. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Dalhousie Obelisk.

Photo and description

The Dalhousie Obelisk is located in the business center of Singapore, next to the Victoria Theater and the Museum of Asian Civilizations.

The obelisk was designed by British civil engineer John Turnbull Thompson. This representative of the colonial administration made a significant contribution to the development of the infrastructure of Singapore in the 19th century. In the urban planning of the island, he left behind such iconic buildings as the Horsburgh lighthouse, the Hajja Fatima Mosque, the European sailor's hospital, etc.

The prototype and source of inspiration for the creation of the Dalhousie obelisk was apparently a very ancient Egyptian obelisk, brought at the beginning of the XIX century by the British from Alexandria. It was installed in the center of London and was given the name "Cleopatra's Needle".

The history of the appearance of the Dalhousie obelisk is interesting. Singaporeans pay tribute to the two centuries of British colonization of the island. It was the British who drained the swamps, abolished slavery, and built schools. In general, they laid the foundation for the economic development of Singapore. But over time, the costs of maintaining a significant apparatus of the colonial administration grew. This displeased prominent merchants of the island. They believed that it would be more useful to direct the funds to the development of the port infrastructure. The Governor-General of India could help resolve the issue. Then this post was occupied by the Marquis of Dalhousie.

For his visit to the island in 1850, all measures were taken to ensure the loyalty of the distinguished guest. In honor of him, the pier was named, on which the obelisk of the same name was installed.

Later, in connection with reclamation work, it was moved several times to other places - for better safety. At the beginning of the 20th century, the obelisk took its present place, on the north bank of the Singapore River, near the Anderson Bridge. The majestic memorial obelisk fits perfectly into the historical landscape.

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Topic: Dalhousie Obelisk description and photos - Singapore: Singapore.