Liberty’s new Ben Franklin statue draws crowds and celebrates history
A new Ben Franklin statue unveiled on Independence Day in Liberty Square has quickly become a popular attraction.
The statue is part of the Great American series project, which began in 2013.
It's the fourth in the series, following statues of George Washington, Susan B. Anthony, and Mark Twain.
“We have children getting their pictures taken. We have grandparents getting their pictures taken with him,” Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson said. “We think this is a great way to combine history and art."
Liberty, Missouri, is the largest city in the United States named "Liberty."
"We think that this is a great place to do this," the mayor said.
The $178,000 investment has already proven to be a hit with visitors.
“You cannot come out here at any time of day or in the evening and not have people sitting down and taking the picture with him,” Canuteson said.
The statue also features an AI-powered Facebook version of Franklin, which Canuteson described as inviting people to visit the town square.
“He’s inviting people down to the town Square,” Canuteson said.
The mayor said Franklin’s approachable nature resonates Liberty's values.
“Ben Franklin was known as someone that was approachable,” Canuteson said. “We live in a divisive time, and this is something that everyone can celebrate.”
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