Madonna of the Trail   Save
Ohio Guide Collection
Description: The photograph shows the monument "Madonna of the Trail" on the grounds of the Ohio Masonic Home. The sculpture is of a pioneer women with a child clutching her leg. Two people are looking at the monument. There is an inscription on the front of the monument that reads: "Madonna of the Trail. N.S.D.A.R. Memorial to the Pioneer Mothers of the Covered Wagon Days." An inscription on the side reads: "They were just as brave or braver than their men because, in many cases, they went with sad hearts and trembling bodies. They went, however, and endured every hardship that befalls a pioneer." Madonna of the Trail is a series of 12 monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States. The monuments were commissioned by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). They were placed along the National Old Trails Road and extended from Bethesda, Maryland, to Upland, California, in each of the 12 states the road passed through. Created by sculptor August Leimbach and funded by contributions, the Madonna of the Trail monuments were intended to provide a symbol of the courage and faith of the women whose strength and love aided so greatly in conquering the wilderness and establishing permanent homes. The Ohio Madonna of the Trail Monument was the first of the series to be unveiled, with dedication ceremonies taking place July 4, 1928. She stood on the grounds of the Ohio Masonic Home until 1956 - 1957 when Ohio Routes 4 and 40 were expanded which necessitated moving the statue about 1/4 mile to its current location. The statue now stands just east of the intersection of Routes 68 4/40, near Snyder Park. Restoration work began in 2001 and cost more than $50, 000. On July 4, 2003 re-dedication ceremonies took place to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the original dedication. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B13F05_041_001
Subjects: Monuments; Daughters of the American Revolution; Cumberland Road
Places: Springfield (Ohio); Clark County (Ohio)