Worried and troubled, that is how Abraham Lincoln appears in Jersey City. Here we stand before Lincoln the Mystic.
This monument honors the 16th U.S. President. It captures a contemplative moment in his life. Let’s delve into the story behind this imposing statue.
The Abraham Lincoln Association of Jersey City commissioned the work. The association formed in 1867. Its mission was to study Lincoln and highlight his contributions.
They raised $75,000 for the monument. That is equivalent to over a million dollars today. This was during the Great Depression.
James Earle Fraser designed and built Lincoln the Mystic. Fraser was a prolific sculptor. His Alexander Hamilton statue stands outside the Treasury Building in Washington. He also designed the Indian Head Nickel.
The statue was unveiled on June 14, 1930. At the time, it was reportedly the second-largest statue of Lincoln.
Lincoln the Mystic sits in Lincoln Park. The park was renamed in 1930, at the same time as the statue’s dedication. The park is near where the Lincoln Highway once ran.
The statue depicts a beardless Lincoln. He is sitting on a boulder lost in thought. Some say he looks like a mystic. Others say he looks worried.
Perhaps this reflects Lincoln’s inner state. He likely felt troubled during his presidency. He was amused at times. He must have been triumphant sometimes. But he also faced immense challenges.
Interestingly, New Jersey voted against Lincoln in 1864. The state backed George McClellan. McClellan was a Jerseyite.
The inscription “With malice toward none and charity for all” is behind the statue. These words encapsulate Lincoln’s vision.
A duplicate of Lincoln the Mystic stands at Syracuse University. Fraser donated his intellectual property. In 1972, the university created a replica.
The art critic Lorado Taft described the statue as showing Lincoln in his younger days. It shows poetic vision and promise. It is promise rather than fulfillment.
The monument’s location is significant. It stands at the main entrance to Lincoln Park. It symbolizes Jersey City’s dedication to preserving Lincoln’s memory.
Even during the Great Depression, the community supported its construction. It showed a deep sense of history and pride.
So, here stands Lincoln the Mystic. He reminds us of a leader’s burden. He embodies the values of charity and duty. He inspires us to dare to do our duty. He encourages us as we understand it.