In the Motor City we drive by it all the time. But do you know the names and stories behind the monuments? Here now, the Curbed Map to Detroit Public Art presents names, locations, and hopefully a few things you did not know. We'd like to note that not all public art is created equal; Belle Isle's Scott Fountain is getting the "Controversy Award" in this round (Sorry, Fist of Detroit). Did you know that it was built with funds left to the city of Detroit by millionaire James Scott in 1910? The egomaniac made the stipulation to the city that if it wanted his money for the waterworks, it had to erect a life-size statue of him. Citizens were outraged: Scott was a playboy who played elaborate practical jokes, feuded with his neighbors, told dirty jokes, drank, gambled, and probably consorted with "loose" women. In the end, architect Cass Gilbert designed it and it was completed in 1925.

Fountain photo by Maia C on Flickr. In his first, and perhaps most tedious assignment, Intern Daniel contributed to this post.