In 1976, as part of the bicentennial celebration, ten abstract sculptures were commissioned to be placed in rest areas along I-80. The project is known as Nebraska's 500 Mile Sculpture Garden. Due to funding problems two of the sculptures were never completed. The abstract nature of the pieces was controversial but the eight completed works have become a well loved part of the Nebraska landscape.
The artist, Paul Von Ringelheim, stated that he wanted his sculpture to stand tall, representing the heroism of the pioneers who settled this region. His tall aluminum sculpture has a beautiful and impressive setting in a quiet picnic area of the rest stop reached by a footbridge across the Big Blue River.
More information about the Bicentennial sculpture project, this sculpture and the others, can be found at Sheldon Art Gallery's website.
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