Why is there a statue of Stephen Foster in Cincinnati?
UC expert dives into the American composer's local ties
Even if you don't know American composer Stephen Foster, you’ve probably heard his music. His mid-19th century folk songs, including “Camptown Races” and “Oh Susanna,” make appearances in pop culture to this day.
There’s a statue of Foster overlooking the Ohio river in Alms Park that prompted WVXU's Bill Rinehart to feature him in his Cincinnati mysteries segment, OKI Wanna Know.
WVXU turned to University of Cincinnati music history expert Kristy Swift for a peek into Foster’s life and impact in the region.
“Stephen Foster's music and persona has shown up culturally in many places,” Swift, assistant professor of music studies at the College-Conservatory of Music, told WVXU. “Foster's music has shown up in film and television.”
Swift explained that the composer actually spent many years living in downtown Cincinnati, where he wrote some of American folk music’s most famous songs. Foster’s time living in the Queen City exposed him to multiple influences and cultures that shaped his compositions.
“Long before Stephen Foster is writing ballads and minstrel songs and hymns, and all of the genres of the 287 or so songs that he wrote, there are Indigenous and Black musicians who are contributing a wealth of songs and music," Swift said.
According to WVXU, the Alms Park statue marks the spot that allegedly inspired Foster to write “My Old Kentucky Home.”
"Why particularly there and not somewhere else gazing at the Kentucky foothills, I don't exactly know," Swift said. “Of course, today, if you're nearby the statue you cannot really see Kentucky because there's significant tree and foliage growth."
The lyrics for songs including "My Old Kentucky Home" have changed, as well. Swift noted that the problematic culture at the time underpins music including Foster's, but that he tried to distance himself from some of his works later in life.
Cincinnati is our city
Cincinnati is our extended classroom, lab, career network and a place to explore, learn and serve. UC’s urban location gives students unmatched access to real-world learning, artistic inspiration and vibrant culture. Our research and community engagement continually benefit the city we call home.
Featured image at top of the Stephen Foster statue in Alms Park. Photo/WVXU/Bill Rinehart
Related Stories
Take a virtual tour of CCM’s world-class facilities
October 21, 2024
Tomorrow's performing and media arts professionals get their start at CCM. Enjoy this inside look at our campus! There’s no place like the UC College-Conservatory of Music's award-winning campus, but don’t just take our word for it. Enjoy our new video tour of CCM's world-class facilities from the comfort of your own home! Current CCM students Annalee Crosser, Yasmine Bougacha and Trey Durr act as your virtual tour guides, providing an inside look at the state-of-the-art classrooms, studios and performance facilities of the "CCM Village."
Sarah Jessica Parker calls hometown Cincinnati a 'very impressive, exciting city'
July 1, 2025
Sarah Jessaic Parker recently gave Cincinnati a shoutout during an interview on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. She talked about theaters she enjoyed visiting — like Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, where her father worked as a stage manager, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. SJP attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts during her elementary school years, and also took classes at CCM Prep.
UC researchers work to understand how extreme heat impacts older adults
June 1, 2026
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine researchers are working to understand how extreme summer heat affects older adults’ health, as reported by 91.7 WXVU News recently. George Leikauf, PhD, co-director of UC's Center for Collaboration on Climate and Community for Health (C4H) and a professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine within the Department of Internal Medicine, is leading a study to track the health of older Cincinnatians who live without air conditioning during heat waves.