`` Belle Isle `` By James Scott Memorial Fountain - 947 Words

Belle Isle has been a point of controversy for Detroiters for as long as it has existed. The public park once was a point of protest in 1940, when an argument over a canoe led to the police beating of a black man. The beautiful James Scott memorial fountain, which stands as a major attraction on Belle Isle to this day, is no exception, and was the subject of much scrutiny. The ideals of Detroiters, and their working spirit is a stark contrast to those of James Scott, and the fountain is not at all representative of who they are. Although the James Scott Memorial may fulfill its purposes as a centerpiece for the island and as an everlasting tribute to Scott, it is not representative of Detroit, its principles, or its people. James Scott was a wealthy man, born in 1831, who inherited a large sum of money from his father. He then used that wealth to invest into real estate, and made his fortune. His methods were often less than savory, and according to reports, â€Å"Scott tried to in timidate his competitors and, if that did not succeed, he sued them. † Although Scott’s methods were not the best, they were not illegal, as many assumed. In response to allegations that the money used was tainted, one of Scott’s few colleagues publicly responded in a newspaper, saying that â€Å"The [illegible] that Mr. Scott possessed at the time of his death was left to him by his father, Judge Scott, who died about 60 years ago†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He further elaborated that instead of squandering the inheritance, like