Abraham Lincoln Statue, Milwaukee
The Abraham Lincoln Statue in Milwaukee stands as a striking tribute to one of America鈥檚 most iconic leaders鈥攁nd a nod to his 1859 visit to the city. Crafted by sculptor Gaetano Cecere, this 10'6" bronze statue rests atop a Wausau red granite pedestal on Lincoln Memorial Drive, offering a dignified, youthful portrayal of Lincoln without his trademark beard.
Lincoln came to Milwaukee on September 30, 1859, addressing both the Wisconsin Agricultural Society and a group at the Newhall House. Decades later, in 1916, Mayor Daniel Hoan helped form the Lincoln Memorial Association, intending to mark the 60th anniversary of Lincoln鈥檚 visit with a commemorative sculpture. However, the onset of World War I delayed the effort.
The project was revived in 1932 when the association held a national design competition. Cecere, a New York-based sculptor, won with his depiction of a beardless Lincoln鈥攕ymbolizing the younger man who had not yet ascended to the presidency. At the time, Pencil Points, an architecture journal, praised the statue as one of the finest Lincoln representations in the country. It was officially dedicated on September 15, 1934.
The statue鈥檚 journey hasn鈥檛 been static. Originally facing west, it was moved into storage during the 1954 construction of the War Memorial Center, then relocated in front of the Elks Club on East Wisconsin Avenue. It finally returned to Lincoln Memorial Drive in 1986, now facing north rather than west.
With its thoughtful design and eventful history, Cecere鈥檚 Lincoln remains a quietly powerful landmark鈥攈onoring not just the man, but Milwaukee鈥檚 brief moment in his remarkable journey.
Lincoln came to Milwaukee on September 30, 1859, addressing both the Wisconsin Agricultural Society and a group at the Newhall House. Decades later, in 1916, Mayor Daniel Hoan helped form the Lincoln Memorial Association, intending to mark the 60th anniversary of Lincoln鈥檚 visit with a commemorative sculpture. However, the onset of World War I delayed the effort.
The project was revived in 1932 when the association held a national design competition. Cecere, a New York-based sculptor, won with his depiction of a beardless Lincoln鈥攕ymbolizing the younger man who had not yet ascended to the presidency. At the time, Pencil Points, an architecture journal, praised the statue as one of the finest Lincoln representations in the country. It was officially dedicated on September 15, 1934.
The statue鈥檚 journey hasn鈥檛 been static. Originally facing west, it was moved into storage during the 1954 construction of the War Memorial Center, then relocated in front of the Elks Club on East Wisconsin Avenue. It finally returned to Lincoln Memorial Drive in 1986, now facing north rather than west.
With its thoughtful design and eventful history, Cecere鈥檚 Lincoln remains a quietly powerful landmark鈥攈onoring not just the man, but Milwaukee鈥檚 brief moment in his remarkable journey.
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Abraham Lincoln Statue on Map
Sight Name: Abraham Lincoln Statue
Sight Location: Milwaukee, USA (See walking tours in Milwaukee)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Milwaukee, USA (See walking tours in Milwaukee)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Create Your Own Walk in Milwaukee
Creating your own self-guided walk in Milwaukee is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Monuments and Statues Walking Tour
Once in Milwaukee, you may be surprised by the diverse array of monuments and statues dotting the city. Indeed, Milwaukee is home to a multitude of sculptures of different purposes, from those honoring historic figures to entertaining ones to the memorials commemorating war and its heroes.
The Leif Eriksson Statue, a striking representation of the Norse explorer, stands as a symbol of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
The Leif Eriksson Statue, a striking representation of the Norse explorer, stands as a symbol of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
A comprehensive exploration of the spiritual side of Milwaukee's historical landscape will open your eyes to the number of beautiful historic temples, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city's religious makeup is diverse, from Catholic to Jesuit, and there is a multitude of architectural marvels 鈥� churches and cathedrals 鈥� matching this variety.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Milwaukee Introduction Walking Tour
Mark Twain is said to have once humorously remarked on Milwaukee's pronunciation, saying: "Milwaukee is a beauty; I presume it is the largest in the world. They spell it Milwaukie and pronounce it Mlwaukay. Thus they have a rhyme in the middle of a word."
The city's name is derived from an Algonquian word "Millioke," which roughly translates to "Good or... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The city's name is derived from an Algonquian word "Millioke," which roughly translates to "Good or... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Historical Buildings Tour
Milwaukee's cityscape is richly adorned with an array of historical architecture, showcasing various styles and periods that have shaped its identity. These buildings represent remarkable achievements of craftsmanship and design, reflecting the skills of their creators and the eras in which they emerged. Here, the grandeur of Richardsonian Romanesque, the opulence of Beaux-Arts, and the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles