History of the sculpture beneath interstate in Baton Rouge
Rising from the triangle where I‑110 meets I‑10 in Baton Rouge, a concrete totem catches the eye of motorists. Its crescent‑shaped apex and three sturdy legs give the impression of a mysterious monument that seems out of place beside the rush‑hour traffic.
The work, titled Unity and Destiny for Children, was conceived and built in 1977 by local sculptor Emerson Bell. Funded by the NEA, the Louisiana State Arts Council and city agencies, Bell fashioned the piece on‑site, shaping rebar and wire mesh before coating it with a sand‑stucco mix. After weather‑related damage, it was restored and now rests on concrete pillars.
Bell described the sculpture as a representation of generations of children seeking higher consciousness, with three walk‑through openings and seven slats that suggest steps in life. The sickle‑shaped top, often mistaken for a moon, is meant to be a free bird, while the overall form blends ancient human and African motifs, reflecting the artist’s heritage.
Visitors can approach the monument via Expressway Park, where a picnic area and parking make a brief stop possible. Seen from ground level, the piece reveals a different profile on each of its three sides, inviting passers‑by to pause and contemplate its layered symbolism.