Statue of Abraham Lincoln

The Statue of Abraham Lincoln is a bronze sculpture in Milwaukee depicting a young, beardless Lincoln with his hands at his sides on a red granite pedestal. The figure stands about 10 feet 6 inches tall and sits at the War Memorial Center on Lincoln Memorial Drive.

The statue was dedicated in 1934 as a memorial funded by Milwaukee schoolchildren, working people, and citizens during the Great Depression. It commemorates Lincoln's historic visit to Milwaukee in 1859, before he became President.

The inscriptions carved into the granite base show quotes from Lincoln's second inaugural address, honoring his role as President and Emancipator. These words remain visible on all four sides, reflecting how the city chose to remember his legacy.

The statue remains accessible year-round at the War Memorial Center and sits near downtown Milwaukee's cultural institutions. The location is easy to reach on foot and offers visitors a quiet moment within the urban setting.

Sculptor Gaetano Cecere chose to portray Lincoln without his signature beard, showing how the President looked during his 1859 visit to Milwaukee. This choice makes the depiction tied to that specific moment rather than his more famous later appearance.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 1934

Creator: Gaetano Cecere

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 43.04040,-87.89782

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42