Wisconsin
Forward
Who's that Lady? Forward or Wisconsin?
Although commonly misidentified as “Miss Forward,” it’s “Wisconsin” that stands atop our State Capitol.
Part of the confusion may stem from that fact it’s said
Wisconsin symbolizes our state motto
"Forward". Another reason for confusion is there is also a statue named
Forward on the Square
that is a woman with her right arm extended upward.
Wisconsin
A 23-˝ caret gold-gilded bronze statue by Daniel Chester French that has graced the top of the Capitol
since 1914. 15 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs over 3 tons. In her left hand she holds a globe with an
eagle perched on it and on top of her helmet are clusters of grapes and our state animal the badger.
French also did the statue of President Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. Wisconsin
faces down Monona Avenue towards Lake Monona.
Forward
Made of Bronze. Represents a female figure standing upon the prow of a boat, right arm extended, the left arm holds the American flag.
The Janesville Ladies Afternoon Club commissioned
Jean Pond Miner to sculpt it for the 1893 World's Columbian
Exposition in Chicago.
Originally placed at the east entrance to the State Capitol in 1895.
Moved to the N. Hamilton St. entrance in 1916 where it remained until 1995.
Years of exposure to the elements had damaged the delicate bronze sculpture so the original was
relocated the
Wisconsin Historical Society. A replica now stands
on the Capitol Square State street corner.
Wisconsin
Forward