The Hiker - Monongahela, PA - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

Official Description: Full-length figure of a soldier in army gear, boots, and hat. His proper left hand rests on his proper left hip. He holds a rifle in his proper right hand. The figure is placed atop a stepped base decorated with relief and text plaques. The relief plaque on the left side of the base features the upper torso of a figure holding a shield.

Inscriptions:
- Copyright 1904 by Allen G. Newman
- Jno. Williams Inc. Founders N.Y. 1915
- The Hiker. This monument dedicated to the memory of the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who served this country during the war with Spain, the Philippine Insurrection and the Campaign in China from April 21st 1898 to July 4th 1902
- Erected by Col. Alexander L. Hawkings Camp No 55, United Spanish War Veterans, Department of Pennsylvania with funds appropriated by Thomas Hill, R. L. Munce and A. P. Barnum, commissioners of Washington County. Dedicated August 13, 1915
- In Memoriam U.S.S. Maine

The sculpture is so named because American soldiers in the Spanish-American War referred to themselves as "hikers". There are two versions of this "The Hiker" piece - one created by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson with the rifle held horizontally and Allen George Newman with the rifle held in just the right hand and slung over shoulder. There are reportedly 50 copies of the former and 20 of the latter dispersed across the country.

The inscriptions refer also to the plaques embedded in the base. "In Memoriam" was created from a piece of boiler plate from the U.S.S Maine which is used alone as a Spanish-American War memorial.

TITLE: The Hiker ARTIST(S): Allen George Newman DATE: Installed Aug. 13, 1915. MEDIUM: Bronze on stone base CONTROL NUMBER: IAS PA001529 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: In front of United States Postal Service 312 Chess Street Monongahela, Pennsylvania 15063 DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: None

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