Maddonna of the Trail in Vandalia, Illinois - Human Migration Monuments on Waymarking.com

Statue Erected by: National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
County of Statue: Fayette County.
Location of Statue: W. Gallatin St. & S. 4th St.,1st Capitol lawn, Vandalia

"Madonna of the Trail is a series of 12 identical monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States. The monuments were commissioned by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). They were installed in each of the 12 states along the National Old Trails Road, which extended from Cumberland, Maryland, to Upland, California.

"Created by sculptor August Leimbach and funded by contributions, the Madonna of the Trail monuments were intended to provide a symbol of the courage and faith of the women whose strength and love aided so greatly in conquering the wilderness and establishing permanent homes. Dedicated in 1928 and 1929, the twelve statues became sources of local pride. Through the continuing efforts of local and national groups, all are currently in good condition and on display." ~ Wikipedia

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Description of Statue:
A depiction of a woman in pioneer clothing, with long, shin-length dress, laced boots, a sunbonnet with flowers, and a scarf tied around her neck. In the crook of her proper left arm she holds an infant wearing a short-sleeved shirt and lightly wrapped in a blanket. In her proper right hand is the top of the barrel of a rifle, the butt of which rests on the ground at her side. She appears to be using the rifle as a walking stick. She steps forward on her proper left leg. On her proper right is a small boy, walking while holding the fabric of his mother's dress. He wears a short-sleeved shirt, knee pants, suspenders, and calf-high boots. On the plinth at the figures' feet is a bed of prickly pear cactus and large leaves. The sculpture rests on a square base.

Text on Statue Base:
Front Base:

MADDONNA OF THE TRAIL

N. S. D. A. R.

of the
PIONEER MOTHERS
of the
COVERED WAGON DAYS
East Side Base: "The Cumberland Road
built by
The Federal Government
Was Authorized by Congress
and Approved by
Thomas Jefferson in 1806.
Vandalia Marks the
Western Turminius"
West Side Base: "At Vandalia Abraham Lincoln,
member of the Illinois Legislature
First Formulated
Those High Principles
of Freedom and Justice
which gave the slaves
a Liberator,
The Union a Saviour."
Back Base: THE NATIONAL
OLD TRAILS ROAD

Who placed it?: National daughters of the American Revolution When was it placed?: 1928 Who is honored?: Women Pioneers Website about the Monument: [Web Link]

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