Florence — His name is prolific across the western part of the United States, but yet his image is scarce.
But Fremont County residents will be sure to not the 20-foot sculpture of John C. Fremont in Pathfinder Regional Park on Colo. 115 near Florence.
Unofficially, this may be the first statue or sculpture of John C. Fremont, even though the country has sported his name in various locations, including Colorado, California, Nebraska, Wyoming and elsewhere.
“We haven’t been able to find any other who actually has a sculpture,” said Commissioner Ed Norden.
Information panels will be installed near the sculpture; one with a historical photo of Fremont, along with historical information, created by the Fremont County Heritage Commission. The second panel will consist of the names of the donors who contributed $100 or more.
Chaired by Mike Madone, the commission was instrumental in getting the sculpture completed and worked closely with Shelton Roberts to come up with the artistic design.
The only public money that was used was Fremont County donated $2,500 in lottery funds while the Cañon City Parks & Rec. District also donated $2,500 in lottery funds. The balance of the money to pay the $20,000 fee was up to the artist. However, the commissioners and the Rec. District cooperated in raising the rest of the money, which include contributions from Siloam Stone, Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine, which donated $5,000.
“Instead of the $15,000 for the project, the total funds raised exceeded $30,000,” Norden said.
After taking out the final costs, Roberts will get the balance of the funds.
“Since I’ve been a county commissioner and suggested Pathfinder (as the name for the park) in 2005, I felt we needed something to commemorate Fremont as the centerpiece of the roundabout,” Norden said. “It coincided with John C. Fremont’s 200th birthday.”
This was a project Norden hoped would come to fruition.
“I think what pleased me as much as the artwork itself was the enthusiasm we generated amongst so many people who donated (to the project),” Norden said. “To raise $30,000 for that art project to commemorate Fremont County’s namesake, I think it’s something that’s commendable and that made me as proud that the people would be willing to donate to (a historical) project.”
A formal dedication of the sculpture is planned for Sept. 14.
