Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Lady Liberty
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, October 3, 2017
1. Lady Liberty Marker
Lady Liberty first graced McKennan Park in 1942 although the statue was not formally dedicated until August 1, 1943. As several thousand watched, twins Thelma and Elma Iverson unveiled a wood carving of the Statue of Liberty. The statue had been owned by pioneer Charles A. Sells who said that it was carved as a model by Frederic A. Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty located on Liberty Island, New York City.
A public subscription conducted by the Sioux Falls Garden Club raised funds to buy
the carving, and Sells presented a bill of sale to Mayor C.M. Whitfield. Years later the statue was removed because of vandalism.
On October 28, 1886, when accepting the gift of the original Lady Liberty from France for America, President Grover Cleveland said, "We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home: nor shall her chosen altar be neglected."
The new bronze replica of the Statue of Liberty was place on the restored stone pedestal in 2002 returning Lady Liberty to McKennan Park once again.
Erected 2003 by Dr. John Wichtman in honor of Jean Douglas Wichtman, "A Beautiful Life Lived", Minnehaha County Historical Society in Memory of Dr. Verlynne and Suzanne Volin.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic
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Location. 43° 31.922′ N, 96° 43.386′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. Marker is located in McKennan Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 S 3rd Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57105, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Park Born in Controversy / McKennan Park Zoo (a few steps from this marker); McKennan Park World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sunken Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Miniature Village (within shouting distance of this marker); Pillars of the Nation (within shouting distance of this marker); The McKennan Park Pond & Wading Pool (within shouting distance of this marker); Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, October 3, 2017
2. Lady Liberty Marker
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, October 3, 2017
3. Lady Liberty Marker
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, October 3, 2017
4. (South side pedestal - Original Statue's Plaque)
Statue of Liberty
Acquired from
Charles A. Sells
Sioux Falls Pioneer
Sponsored by
Garden Club and
Sioux Falls Citizens
Dedicated Aug. 1, 1943
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, October 3, 2017
5. (North side pedestal - Current Statue's Plaque)
Statue of Liberty
By French Sculptor
Frederic Auguste
Bartholdi
Dedicated to the
Preservation of Freedom
For all Citizens
This Bronze replica of "Liberty
Enlightening the World" was
created by sculptor Serguei Iourov
In February 2002. At the time of
completion he stated. "Liberty
should always be youthful, filled
with life and holding her torch
high, as high as she possible can."
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, October 3, 2017
6. (East side pedestal - Current Statue's Dedication)
Liberty is dedicated to all persons
who support her ideals. She stands
as a symbol of Liberty, Civility,
Opportunity, Justice, and equality.
Mayor
Gary Hanson
City Council Members
Tam Baker, Kenyon Gleason,
Dann Grevlos, Bob Jamison,
Kevin Kavanaugh, Dirck Kelly,
Curtis Rust, Darrin Smith
Pakrs and Recreation board
Pat beckman, Anne Hajek,
Doug Hendriks, Dale Jans,
Carol Knutson, Jill steele,
Steve Thomas
Director of Parks and Recreation
Mike Cooper
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 555 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 28, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
