Madonna of the Trail
Madonna of the Trail is a series of 12 monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States. The monuments were commissioned by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). The monuments were built in each of the 12 states on the National Old Trails Road from Cumberland, Maryland, to Upland, California.
The monuments were created by sculptor August Leimbach. The Madonna of the Trail monuments were meant to be symbols of the courage of the women who aided in conquering the wilderness and creating permanent homes. The statues were dedicated in 1928 and 1929. They have became sources of local pride. All of the monuments are currently in good condition and on display.
Locations
There is one monument in each of the 12 states along the National Old Trails Highway (much of which later became U. S. Highway 40 and U. S. Highway 66). The monuments in order of dedication are:
References
Monuments and memorials in the United States
1928 establishments in the United States