Originally the symbol of the tyranny and oppression of the king, the fortress was stormed on 14 July 1789, thus ushering in the French Revolution. The current Place de la Bastille dates back to 1803. In 1840, a column was erected in honour of the "Trois Glorieuses" (3 days of popular insurrection in 1830) and the 504 revolutionary victims, and in celebration of the end of the absolute monarchy. The column is at the centre of the square and is 47 metres high. It is crowned by the "Genius of Liberty" and bears the name of "Column of July", in commemoration of the month in which the insurrection occurred.