Madonna of the Trail - Lamar, CO
Posted by: 
condor1
N 38° 05.361 W 102° 37.145
13S E 708799 N 4218405
Dating from the 1920's, the Daughters of the American Revolution placed 12 of these statues in states from coast to coast, marking the path of the old National Road and the Santa Fe Trail.
Waymark Code: WM7V4Z
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 12/05/2009
Views: 11
This Madonna of the Trail monument in Lamar honors the pioneer mothers who traveled the Santa Fe Trail in the days of covered wagons. It is one of twelve such monuments sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Located on the Old Santa Fe Trail Highway, Lamar was chosen to host a statue.
There are inscriptions on the front, left and right sides of the base as well as a foundation mark on the rear. Standing almost 10 1/2 feet tall, this sculpture dominates the location.
Base Inscriptions:
Right Side: A Place of Historical Lore Noted for Indian Lodges; Shelter from Storm and Heat; Food Supply for Beast; Bivouac for Expeditions; Scene of many Councils.
Front Upper: Madonna of the Trail.
Front Lower: N.S.D.A.R. Memorial to the Pioneer Mothers of the Covered Wagon Days.
Left Side: In Commemoration Of Big Timbers Extending Eastward And Westward Along Arkansas River Approximately Twenty Miles And Of Bent's New Fort Later Fort Wisc 1852-1866
Rear: USDAR copyright 1928 signed
The 12 'Madonna of the Trails' sculptures are located in the following locations:
1. Bethesda, Maryland
2. Beallsville, Pennsylvania
3. Wheeling, West Virginia, National Hwy 40
4. Springfield, Ohio - Placed some ten blocks from the National Old Trails Highway.
5. Richmond, Indiana
6. Vandalia, Illinois
7. Lexington, Missouri
8. Council Grove, Kansas
9. Lamar, Colorado (You Are Here)
10. Albuquerque, New Mexico
11. Springerville, Arizona
12. Upland, California
TITLE: Madonna of the Trail
ARTIST(S): Auguste Leimbach
DATE: Copyrighted 1928. Dedicated Sept. 24, 1928
MEDIUM: Sculpture: painted algonite; Base: algonite.
CONTROL NUMBER: IAS CO000373
Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
The closest physical address is:
109 E. Beech St.
Lamar, CO 81052
It is actually on the northeast corner of State Hwy 287 / 50 and E. Beach St.
DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
The database says it needs treatment. It looks like that happened and also appears to be very well maintained.
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Visit Instructions:
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