Statue of Douglas MacArthur (Milwaukee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids General Douglas MacArthur |
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| Artist | Robert L. Dean |
| Year | 1979 |
| Type | sculpture |
| Dimensions | 290 cm (114 in) |
| Location | Veterans Park, Milwaukee |
The sculpture General Douglas MacArthur is a public artwork. It was created by American artist Robert L. Dean. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1953. This school is often called West Point.
The statue used to be in MacArthur Square in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On June 7, 2014, it moved to a new spot. Now it stands in Veterans' Park, right by the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. The bronze statue of General Douglas MacArthur was officially rededicated there. This special ceremony happened with full military honors. It was part of MacArthur Memorial Week. The original statue was first dedicated on June 8, 1979.
What the Statue Looks Like
This sculpture shows General of the Army Douglas MacArthur standing. He is wearing a hat. The general was the best student in his class at the USMA in 1903.
The statue stands on a marble base. It shows MacArthur with his hands in his back pockets. The front of the base has his name and life years: "Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964".
The back of the base has a special plaque. It explains "MacARTHUR SQUARE". This area was named on September 17, 1945. It honored General Douglas MacArthur for leading the Allied forces. He was in charge during World War II in the Pacific.
MacArthur, his father, and his grandfather all lived in Milwaukee. Douglas lived at the Plankinton House. He went to West Division High School. In 1898, he was chosen to attend the U.S. Military Academy. This was by Milwaukee Congressman Theobald Otjen. Douglas MacArthur's last visit here was on April 27, 1951. He received an honorary degree from Marquette University. He also spoke at this very site.
How the Statue Was Made
The General Douglas MacArthur sculpture was made in 1977. It took five months to create. The work happened in La Colle-sur-Loup, France. This town is west of Nice. The statue was then cast in bronze. This happened in Montecatini, Italy.
The statue was officially dedicated on June 8, 1979. This date was special. It was the 80th anniversary of MacArthur joining West Point. He had been turned down twice before. A teacher from Milwaukee helped him get in.
The dedication was part of MacArthur Memorial Week. This week lasted from June 8 to June 14, 1979. Mrs. Marie Uihlein gave $50,000 for the sculpture. She did this to honor her husband, Erwin Uihlein. He was a friend and admirer of MacArthur. Other money was raised by groups of veterans and private donors.
MacArthur's Family History
MacArthur's grandfather, Arthur MacArthur, Sr., came to Milwaukee in 1849. He worked as a lawyer and a judge. He also served as Wisconsin's lieutenant governor.
MacArthur's father, Arthur MacArthur, Jr., fought in the American Civil War. He earned the Medal of Honor for being very brave. He also served in the Spanish–American War.
