Henry Ward Beecher was a 19th-century liberal theologian, preacher, and orator.

"[1] To create the monument, Ward worked from the death mask in addition to photographs.

Sharp,[2] the statue was widely acclaimed as one of the finest public monuments in the country.

[2] The monument features a bronze figural group by John Quincy Adams Ward and Barre granite base designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt.

The statues depict Beecher, in subordinate positions are a Black female figure, to the left of the base, and, rightward, two Caucasian children (a boy and girl).