Location:
Prowers County
109 East Beech Street
Lamar, CO 81052
Historical Significance:
The Madonna of the Trail statues evolved over a period of 19 years. The project was begun in 1909 with the idea of marking the Santa Fe Trail in Missouri. In 1911, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) entered the picture, and in 1912 the National Old Trails Road Association came into being. During World War I, work was halted and resumed in 1922.
In 1927, the Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress accepted a design by August Leimbach, offered by Mrs. John Trigg Moss, chairwoman of the National Old Trails Committee of the DAR. The Madonna of the Trail Statue, one of the 12 original copies of the statue, was dedicated September 24, 1928. It was the fifth of 12 statues placed on the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway (Highway from Washington, D.C., to California) by NSDAR and the National Old Trails Road Association.
The Madonna of the Trail is a pioneer woman clasping her baby, with her young son clinging to her skirts. The face of the mother, strong in character, beauty, and gentleness, is the face of a mother who realizes her responsibilities. It has feeling of solidity - a monument which will stand through the ages. The figure of the mother is of heroic proportions - 10 feet high and weighing 5 tons. The base on which the figure stands is 6 feet high and weighs 12 tons. This base rests on a foundation that stands 2 feet above ground level, making the monument 18 feet tall. The figure and the base are made of algonite stone, giving the monuments the warm, pink color of Missouri native granite.
Historical Designations:
- National: National Register of Historic Places
- State/County: State Historical Commission
Historical Marker:
- Marker Date: September 24, 1928
- State of Marker Organization: Colorado
- Marker Text:
- West Face: MADONNA OF THE TRAIL, N.S.D.A.R. MEMORIAL TO THE PIONEER MOTHERS OF THE COVERED WAGON DAYS
- South Face: A PLACE OF HISTORICAL LORE NOTED FOR INDIAN LODGES: SHELTER FROM STORM AND HEAT; BIVOUAC FOR EXPEDITIONS; SCENE OF MANY COUNCILS
- North Face: COMMEMORATION OF BIG TIMBERS' EXTENDING EASTWARD WESTWARD ALONG ARKANSAS RIVER APPROXIMATELY TWENTY MILESE AND OF BENT'S NEW FORT, LATER FORT WISE, 1852-1866
- East Face: THE NATIONAL TRAILS ROAD
Funding:
This landmark was originally commissioned by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and is now funded by the Colorado State Society, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Physical Condition:
- Property: Preserve
Tourism:
- Open to the Public - Yes
- Family Friendly - Yes Hours/Days - Open 24 Hours a Day / 7 Days a Week
- Admission Fees - No
- Lodging - No
Promotional Materials Available:
- Brochures: Yes - Website Link: https://fortwilliambent.coloradodar.org/madonna-of-the-trail/
- Catalogues: Yes - Website Link: https://www.coloradodar.org/wp-content/uploads/DAR-Colorado-Marker-book.pdf
- DVDs: Yes - YouTube or Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e-95mZNdtc
- Calendar of Events: Website Link: https://thegreathighprairie.com/madonna-of-the-trail-monument/
