New ‘Victory’ Statue to be Placed at Stephenson County Courthouse

In 1960, a statue was destroyed by lightning at the Stephenson County Courthouse. It is finally getting a replacement statue tomorrow.

A new 13-foot bronze statue named 'Victory' will be erected tomorrow, December 2nd at the Stephenson County Courthouse, according to WTVO.

It will be first placed on the Stephenson Street side until it will be lifted 82 feet in the air, on top a pedestal at the Stephenson County Soldiers monument.

The original statue was called 'Goddess of Liberty' before being called 'Victory.' She was 10 feet tall and weighed over 2,400 pounds! When she was placed on the Soldiers Monument, she was the largest statue of her kind in the world.

The original terracotta statue was destroyed by lightning in October of 1960. 'Victory' was beheaded! From then on, a lightening rod has replaced 'Victory.'

According to Civil War Monument Fund, the family of Anna and Donald R. Kraft have donated the remaining funds needed to recreate the 'Victory' statue.

The statue was made possible through donations from The Civil War Monument Fund. Donations will continue to be accepted to maintain the new statue. Vincent Tolpo, a well known local artist, was chosen to recreate the statue.

Tomorrow will be a monumental day in Freeport! (Pun intended.)