“A statue is a free-standing sculpture in which the realistic, full-length figures of persons or animals or non-representational forms are carved in a durable material like wood, metal, or stone.”-Wikipedia
Wikipedia’s definition of a statue does not leave much to the imagination. After all, there are numerous incredible statutes in the United States that commemorate much more than a person or an animal. Yes, one of the most incredible statues that you have to see when touring the United States commemorates four icons of American history. However, there are other incredible statutes in the U.S. that commemorate an idea or a vision.
Just like the first statute on our list of the most incredible statues that you have to see when touring the U.S.
Gateway Arch
As the ideal statue for commemorating an idea or a vision, the Gateway Arch stands 630 above the bank of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. The tallest arch in the world is also the tallest man constructed monument in the entire Western Hemisphere. Designed to salute the brave men and women that moved the United States westward, the Gateway Arch attracts visitors from all over the world. The 30-minute video presentation about how the Gateway Arch was built is worth the price of admission on its own. Numerous world renowned musical artists have performed under the iconic “Gateway to the West.”
Library Lions
If you have seen the wildly popular movie Ghostbusters, then you will remember the scene late in the movie when the ghouls and the ghosts come alive around the Library Lions of New York City. The famous statutes are the first ones on our list of the most incredible statues that you have to see when touring the United States that are constructed with classic and sleek calacatta marble. Not only the stationary mascots of the New York City public library system, the majestic statues are also the backdrop for a large number of movies and television shows.
A Little More about Marble Statues
Also called marble sculpting, the design of the works of art create stunningly beautiful three-dimensional marble statues. Marble represents a metamorphic rock that begins as limestone that is primarily created by calcite. The pressurized result is a material that exudes elegant panache, which makes it the perfect natural stone to use for statues. Considered one of the oldest genres of art throughout the world, the production of marble statues predates venerable art genres such as painting and ceramic sculpting.
John Barry
When you here the name John Barry, you might mistakenly associate the name to the National Basketball Association. Although there is a famous Barry in the NBA Hall of Fame, his name does not resonate with historians that have shone the light on John Barry for more than 100 years. The six-foot statue of John Barry was erected in 1906 to honor a navy officer of the American Revolutionary War who has earned the revered nickname “Father of the American Navy.” Barry’s statue prominently stands in several state historical shrines, with the most noteworthy version of the statue standing at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mount Rushmore
Featured in several well-received films, Mount Rushmore greets visitors that have decided to take a tour of the most rugged section of the United States. Carved by Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum, Mount Rushmore features 60-foot heads of four of the most recognized presidents of American history. The park where Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt tower above the landscape spans more than 1,200 acres at an elevation of one mile above sea level. The four statutes are carved into granite, which is a material that preserves well over the course of time.
Honest Abe on His Own
No other President of the United States is revered more than Abraham Lincoln. “Honest Abe” became president at the most contentious time in the history of the United States. Because of his legendary status, Lincoln is memorialized in statue form across the country. No other rendition of the President who navigated the nation through a civil war is more impressive than the statue of Lincoln that is the epicenter of his memorial in Washington, D.C. There is an amazing amount of folklore that accompanies the statute of Lincoln, including the legendary tale that the American President is displaying his initials by using sign language. Find more great travel advice at Lyhpa.
Statue of Liberty
Located on Liberty Island in the Harbor of New York, the Statue of Liberty represents the ultimate homage to freedom. Designed with glossy copper, the Statue of Liberty was given to the citizens of the United States from the people of France. As the face of the freedom valued by Americans, the most famous statute of the world leaves visitors awed by its message: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Sam Adams
Given to the United States by the State of Massachusetts, the Sam Adams statue standing at the U.S. Capitol was constructed using all marble. Artist Anne Whitney constructed the Sam Adams statue to honor the “Father of the American Revolution.” Adams served in the Continental Congress, which was the precursor to the United States Congress, from 1774 until 1781. He was one of the first signees of the Declaration of Independence.
Christ of the Ozarks
At a height of more than 65 feet, Christ of the Ozarks sits on top of the Magnetic Mountain in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Built as the ultimate sacred project by American pastor Gerald L. K. Smith, Christ of the Ozarks is a spiritual magnet that attracts Christians from all over the world. The figure of Christ stretches out its arms in a pose similar to the classic depiction of Christ at his crucifixion. The most impressive part of this statue is that it is not visible within the dense Ozark Mountains until visitors are almost directly upon it.