Independent Man displayed in the State House for public to see during restoration

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Independent Man statue is on display for the public to see for the first time in nearly 50 years.

The statue was taken down from the top of the Rhode Island State House and touched the ground for the first time in decades on Tuesday.

Gov. Dan McKee is giving the public a chance to see the 11-foot-tall statue up close as it undergoes historic repairs. Anyone can stop by the State House from now until Jan. 8, 2024 to see the Independent Man.

“This is a moment to be celebrating in Rhode Island. This certainly was not in the plan,” McKee said.

The state announced in September that both the statue and the marble base it stands on needed restoration.

“The statue has weathered decades of storms, blizzards, and hurricanes, and it is important that we use this opportunity to invest in the People’s House and preserve the Independent Man for generations of Rhode Islanders and visitors to enjoy,” McKee said.

The public is encouraged to take the opportunity to see the statue, which McKee says is a symbol of Rhode Island pride.

“I encourage Rhode Islanders to come to the State House, take a selfie with him… give him a high five — that’d be difficult,” McKee said.