Mexico in Audrain County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Little Sisters of Liberty
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Replica of the Statue of Liberty
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 26, 2025
1. Little Sisters of Liberty / Statue of Liberty Replica Marker
In February 1949, the Boy Scouts of America launched a two-year "strengthen the Arm of Liberty" campaign with a touch-lighting ceremony beneath the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.
The post-World War with the Soviet Union and other communist nations had already seen a confrontation in Europe with the Berlin Airlift. In less than two years, war in Korea would erupt.
Jack P. Whitaker of Kansas City paid $3500.00 to have an original mold made. Friedley-Voshardt Company in Chicago made the standard-copper replicas. Each statue included more than 40 sheets of copper about the thickness of a nickel.
The statues were then sold for a reported $300.00 to each Scout Troop in 39 states.
Audrain County "Little Sisters of Liberty" was dedicated on Friday July 4th 1959 in Mexico, Mo. Circuit Judge George P. Adams made the dedicatory address.
The Lady of Liberty was refurbished and reset at the present location on October 7th, 2014.
Refurbishing was done by Master Works Studios, John Ward of DeSoto, Mo.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism •
this page online
Location. 39° 10.345′ N, 91° 53′ W. Marker is in Mexico, Missouri, in Audrain County. It is at the intersection of South Washington Street and Jackson Street, on the left when traveling south on South Washington Street. Marker/statue is at the southwest corner of Audrain County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 N Jefferson St, Mexico MO 65265, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Little Dixie and in Mark Twain Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Audrain County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); John Bingle Morris
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 26, 2025
2. Little Sisters of Liberty / Replica of the Statue of Liberty Marker
Also see . . . Liberty Sisters. (Submitted on November 15, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Additional commentary.
1. Factual error?
Most of the Statue of Liberty replicas that were issued during the 1950s usually came with a plaque that had the inscription, "With the faith and courage of their forefathers..." and I'm assuming it was covered up with this historical plaque. I'm not sure if 1959 was the correct year of its dedication as the marker says that the replica program lasted for two years in 1949.
— Submitted November 15, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 26, 2025
3. Little Sisters of Liberty / Replica of the Statue of Liberty Marker
Marker is at the southwest grounds of Audrain County Courthouse.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 15, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
