In the context of this artwork, explain the Designer selection of the History.
In June 1897, the association asked for bids to design "a single shaft fashioned after the Washington Monument and placed on a substantial pedestal". Designs for the monument were submitted by firms from Asheville; Atlanta, Georgia; Augusta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Greensboro, North Carolina; Mount Airy, North Carolina; Pacolet, South Carolina; and New England. F. M. Miles, a sculptor from Asheville, submitted two models, one of which was displayed at the A. Trifield cigar store on Patton Avenue in Asheville. The association indicated they preferred "a monument that is plain, in keeping with the plain, sturdy character of the man in whose memory it is to be erected."More than three weeks after the deadline for design submissions, The Asheville Daily Citizen announced that Asheville artchitect Richard Sharp Smith was drawing plans for the association. On September 9, the association announced their selection of Smith, a native of England who was known for his work as the supervising architect of Biltmore Estate and had just opened a private architectural practice in Asheville. In addition to his solid reputation and local affiliation, Smith agreed to work free of charge. Smith submitted three designs to the association: the selected design in two heights—100 and 58 feet (30 and 18 m)—and a third design that was a fluted column 32 feet (9.8 m) tall. The association requested a revision of the former that was 75 feet (23 m) tall, along with completed drawings and work specifications.
Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta Charlotte, North Carolina Biltmore Estate New England Richard Sharp Smith Washington Monument South Mount Airy, North Carolina Asheville Pacolet, South Carolina Augusta, Georgia Mount Airy Chattanooga, Tennessee Greensboro, North Carolina