BSA Replica
Statue of Liberty
An 8.5-foot copper statue dedicated in 1950 as part of the Boy Scouts of America's "Crusade to Strengthen the Arm of Liberty" campaign, now standing proudly in Lions Park, Cheyenne.
History and Significance
BSA 40th Anniversary Campaign
The project was launched for the Boy Scouts of America's 40th anniversary with the theme "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty," aimed at reminding Americans of the value of freedom.
Nationwide Movement
Between 1949 and 1952, local Scout troops purchased around 200 of these replicas, often called "Little Sisters of Liberty," and donated them to communities across 39 U.S. states and territories.
Cheyenne Dedication
The Cheyenne statue was dedicated on May 27, 1950, after nearly 1,000 Boy Scouts participated in a ceremony on the state capitol grounds. It is currently located in Lions Park.
Memorial Plaque
Each statue includes a plaque inscribed with a dedication from the Boy Scouts of America, preserving the historical significance of this patriotic campaign.
Statue Details
Construction
The mass-produced statues were made of stamped copper, weighed about 290 pounds, and cost $350 plus freight.
Community Funded
Funds were often raised by the local community and Boy Scout troops working together to bring this symbol of freedom to their town.
Patina & Restoration
While not exact replicas, they were designed to develop a green patina. Many have been restored to their original copper appearance.
Preservation Efforts
Although some have been lost or damaged, many of the remaining "Little Sisters" have been restored through a nationwide effort and are now significant landmarks.
The Cheyenne statue is a cherished landmark for both residents and visitors, standing as a testament to American values and the spirit of community service.
Visit Lions Park
Experience this historic symbol of freedom and community spirit in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Get DirectionsHistory & Background
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has a long tradition of civic engagement, including distributing replicas of the Statue of Liberty to communities across the United States. In 1951, as part of a "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty" campaign marking the BSA's 40th anniversary, scouts donated approximately 200 copper-plated zinc replicas of the Statue of Liberty to cities, towns, and state capitals throughout the country. These 8.5-foot replicas stand as permanent reminders of the ideals of liberty and democratic citizenship that the BSA sought to promote during the early Cold War era.
The Statue of Liberty replica campaign reflected the BSA's role as a civic organization that connected young Americans to the nation's founding values. The original campaign was led by Kansas City businessman Jack Whitaker, who proposed the idea and coordinated with communities to find appropriate installation sites. Many of the 200 replicas installed in 1951 remain in their original locations today, maintained by local BSA councils and civic organizations as historical landmarks in their own right.
Wyoming has a strong Scouting tradition, with councils serving communities across the state's vast geography. The BSA Statue of Liberty replica in Wyoming connects the state's young residents — and visitors — to the ideals of freedom, civic responsibility, and patriotic service that have defined Scouting since its American founding in 1910. The replicas serve as teaching tools about American history, immigration, and the values inscribed on the original statue's pedestal: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
Nearby Attractions
Wyoming State Capitol
Cheyenne's imposing capitol building, modeled on the U.S. Capitol, was completed in 1888. Wyoming earned distinction as the "Equality State" — the first territory to grant women the right to vote (1869) — a fact prominently celebrated in the capitol's exhibits and public art. The restored building is open for free self-guided tours on weekdays.
Historic Governors' Mansion
The 1905 Colonial Revival mansion served as Wyoming's governors' residence until 1976. It is now open for tours as a historic house museum. The mansion was home to Wyoming's first woman governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross, who served from 1925 to 1927 and became the first woman to govern an American state.
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
A surprisingly lush oasis in the high plains environment, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens includes a solar-heated conservatory with tropical plants, extensive outdoor gardens, and community growing spaces. The gardens are one of the highest-elevation botanical gardens in the world, demonstrating what can be grown in Wyoming's challenging climate with thoughtful horticultural practice.