Photograph: The South Side of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society building

Constructed as an homage to the 2500 year old Greek Parthenon, the pediment of the building features 9 forces of civilization as carved by Charles N. Niehaus: History stands above the other 8 with an hourglass and mirror; a matron representing Husbandry and a goddess representing the light of Science stand on either side of History; Art sits with her palette on the left while Mars, the god of war, kneels with his sword at rest on the right; similarly situated, Industry and Religion kneel further out while Philosophy and Law sprawl across the corners of the pediment.

Originally constructed to be the New York State building for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition it now remains the only surviving structure from the international event. Beneath the carvings and before the pillars sits another Niehaus carving entitled, Lincoln, The Empancipator. This stunning picture was captured by Betty Barcode of the Buffalo History Museum flickr group.