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Public Service Announcement for New England
(Monuments to Greatness)
I am an ardent supporter of monuments dedicated to Viking glory, and I find it shameful that those located here in New England have become so disavowed. Hell, I didn't even know about most of them till recently; they've essentially been forgotten, and most people just don't care. The prevailing attitude seems to be: "Why would I want to go admire Leif Eriksson's local memorial when I could go to Walmart instead? I hear they're rolling back prices on poorly-made, child-labored Chinese goods that I don't need again."
Anyway, to get back to the subject at hand, these New England Viking monuments are typically grounded in factually inaccurate research from centuries past, but they still serve as a pleasant reminder of great Norse accomplishments (as well as some interesting local history), and it is in this vein that I believe they should be appreciated. So, to that effect, I have compiled some of my own photos and basic location information here. At the bottom of this page, I've also provided links to other sites that have more detailed information. One of the links even contains information about Viking monuments outside of New England for those of you that may be feeling underprivileged right about now (of course, that's not an issue for anyone living in Scandinavia).
Leif Eriksson statue in Boston, Massachusetts
Leif looks more like a Roman or Greek than a Norseman here, but at the time this was meant as a compliment. The statue exudes pomp and splendor at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Charlesgate East.
 
 
 
Supposed site of Leif Eriksson's house in Cambridge, Massachusetts
A stone slab erroneously marks the spot of Leif's house at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Gerry's Landing Road in front of Mt. Auburn Hospital.
 
Looking at the Charles from the spot of Leif's "former" home.
Norumbega Viking Tower in Weston, Massachusetts
Cool stone tower situated on Norumbega Road in Weston devoted to the legendary North American Viking settlement.
 
Cambridge Skating Club
Home to the Cambridge Skating Club, this building is clearly modeled after Norse architecture. Located at 40 Willard Street.
As you can see in the close-ups, those red things sticking out near the top are the 3D equivalent of cartoon dragon heads.
Links
Vikings on the Charles
Very informative article on the history of the Leif Eriksson memorials and Norumbega Tower from the Needham Historical Society in Massachusetts. Also covers Norse peculiarities of Dighton Rock, Longfellow Bridge, Boston Board of Trade building, and Harvard University's Weld Boat House.
Hurstwic
Great page by local New England Viking enthusiasts that covers the Leif Eriksson memorials, as well as Thorvald's Rock, Dighton Rock, and the Viking Tower in Newport, Rhode Island. Also features an alternate explanation of Norumbega.
Leif Eriksson Monuments Pages
A jolly, good fellow by the name of Peter van der Krogt has compiled an extensive list (with photos) of all the Leif Eriksson monuments around the world. Good, educational fun.
Vinland Archeology: Maine Norse Penny
Bottom portion of this Smithsonian page contains information about and a photo of the Norse coin that was found in Maine.
And if you know of any New England Viking sites not mentioned here, let me know and I will add them! I'll also update this site with more photos whenever I am able to pay my respects at the historical sites that I have not yet visited.
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