Fountain Square and the Genius of Water: The Heart of Cincinnati

In 1871, Henry Probasco donated the Tyler Davidson Fountain to the people of the city of Cincinnati in honor of his brother-in-law. Probasco wanted to leave a practical and artistic gift to the city and its residents that had made both men fabulously wealthy. Though it was placed on Fifth Street, away from the central business district, the fountain became a centerpiece of the city around its boom years, and downtown Cincinnati grew up around the statue. Author Greg Rogers chronicles the history of the fountain and its influence on the landscape and culture of the city.