Page:The part taken by women in American history.djvu/435

400 "The organization has for its object the development of the meritorious waterways and harbors, the preservation of the forests, and the conservation of all the natural resources of the nation. It stands for the establishment by the Federal Government of a definite waterway policy for the improvement of all approved rivers and harbors of the entire country, also for the adoption of such a policy as will secure not only forest reserves, but general forest development."

The slogan is "Together for Permanent National Welfare." To women the credit is due for the preservation of historical homes, marking of historical spots, and the completion of many of the works started to commemorate deeds of heroism. Among these should be mentioned the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument. In 1823 the Bunker Hill Monument Association was incorporated and this ended the efforts for this work for two years; then the cornerstone was laid while General Lafayette was on a visit to this country. The material was brought from a granite quarry in Quincy and a railroad had to be built for this purpose—the first in the United States. In 1828 the funds for the work were exhausted and the work stopped, not to be resumed until 1834, and again suspended for lack of funds. In 1839 two gentlemen—Amos Lawrence, of Boston, and Judah Truro, of New Orleans—offered $10,000 if a similar amount would be raised by others. This enlisted the interest and pride of the women of Boston, who proposed to get up a fair for this purpose. The fair was decided upon and was to be held in Quincy Hall, September 5, 1840, and every woman in America was invited to aid, or contribute her work or money. These patriotic women of Boston managed the entire scheme and were rewarded by realizing $30,035.50, and from other sources money came to the association through these women until $55,153.27 was in the treasury of the association and the completion of the monument assured, and to these women we owe Bunker Hill Monument.