Boy Scout Statue of Liberty
A "Little Sister of Liberty" replica located in Blaine Park, dedicated in 1951 as a symbol of freedom and fidelity.
The Boy Scout Statue of Liberty in La Junta, Colorado, is a significant historical monument standing within Blaine Park. Dedicated in 1951, this sculpture is one of approximately 200 "Little Sisters of Liberty" replicas originally commissioned by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) between 1949 and 1952.
The project was part of the BSA's 40th-anniversary celebration, themed "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty," and was conceived by Jack Whitaker to install lasting symbols of freedom across the nation during the early Cold War era. While many of the original statues have succumbed to time or damage, the La Junta replica remains a preserved piece of this nationwide civic campaign.
Serving as a point of pride for the local community, the statue connects La Junta to a broader network of similar monuments found throughout Colorado and the United States. It stands as a testament to mid-century patriotic efforts and the enduring legacy of the Boy Scouts' initiative.
Key Facts
- Location: Blaine Park, 1010 Colorado Ave, La Junta, CO
- Dedication: 1951
- Height: Approx. 8.5 feet (statue only)
- Weight: Approx. 290 pounds
- Material: Stamped Sheet Copper
- Origin: BSA "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty" Campaign
Notable Features & Attributes
Mass-Produced Rarity
Manufactured by the Friedley-Voshardt Co. of Chicago, these statues were mass-produced replicas. Today, only about 100 of the original 200 statues remain standing nationwide.
Copper Construction
Unlike cast bronze monuments, this statue is constructed from stamped sheet copper, supported by an internal framework, making it relatively lightweight for its size.
Base Inscription
The pedestal features a dedication plaque typical of these installations, inscribing a pledge of "everlasting fidelity and loyalty" to the United States.
Statewide Network
La Junta hosts one of 17 such replicas located in Colorado, linking it to sister statues in cities like Greeley, Sterling, Pueblo, and Kremmling.
Visitor Information
Access & Parking The statue is located in Blaine Park at the southwest corner of Colorado Avenue and 10th Street. The park is open to the public, and street parking is available along the adjacent roads.
Historical Context Visitors interested in Cold War-era Americana will find this site significant. It represents a specific moment in 1950s history when civic organizations actively promoted patriotic symbols.
Nearby Amenities Blaine Park offers a quiet green space for viewing the monument. The location is central to La Junta, providing easy access to other local services and attractions.
Local Context & Connections
The statue is part of a dispersed collection of historical markers throughout the Arkansas Valley region.