Symbolizing upward mobility this is the Lincoln the Rail-Splitter Statue. Here in Garfield Park stands a testament to Abraham Lincoln’s humble beginnings. Sculpted by Charles J Mulligan in 1911, this artwork offers a different perspective on the iconic president.
Unlike other portrayals of Lincoln that focus on his wartime leadership, this statue depicts a young man. He wears work clothes. His sleeves are rolled up. An ax is in his hand. The Lincoln the Rail-Splitter Statue represents Lincoln’s life as a laborer. He split rails and worked on a flatboat before entering politics.
Mulligan, the artist, also came from humble beginnings. He immigrated from Ireland and worked as a stonecutter. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and in Paris. Mulligan became involved in the City Beautiful movement. He wanted to beautify Chicago’s West Side parks.
Jens Jensen, a Danish immigrant and landscape architect, displayed a temporary version of the Lincoln the Rail-Splitter Statue at Garfield Park’s Outdoor Art Exhibit of 1909. The statue was well-received. The West Park Commissioners had it recast in bronze in 1911.
The Lincoln the Rail-Splitter Statue symbolizes Lincoln’s opposition to slavery. Slaves could not improve their lives. Lincoln rose from a log cabin to the White House. His life story contributed to his opposition to slavery.
Mulligan created another Lincoln statue for Pana, Illinois. It is called Lincoln at Gettysburg. A replica is in Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago. Mulligan also created other sculptures in Chicago. They include The Miner’s Home, William McKinley Monument and Independence Square Fountain.
An article from 1913 described the Lincoln the Rail-Splitter Statue as truthful. It showed Lincoln at the most picturesque point in his career. The statue captures Lincoln’s early life. He held odd jobs in New Salem, Illinois. He worked as a rail-splitter for a short time.
The Lincoln the Rail-Splitter Statue in Garfield Park reminds us of Lincoln’s journey. From a poor man’s son to the President of the United States, it shows that anyone can achieve great things. It embodies the idea of upward mobility and the value of hard work. It stands as a tribute to Lincoln’s enduring legacy.
So, as you stand before the Lincoln the Rail-Splitter Statue take a moment to reflect on the values it represents. Think about Lincoln’s life. Consider the artist’s journey. Remember that even the most humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.