Preparations underway to remove Independent Man for repairs

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Preparations are underway to take the Independent Man statue down from the Rhode Island State House.

Gov. Dan McKee said a crane outside the State House is being used so workers can clean and prepare the statue for removal.

The governor announced in September that the historic statue and the marble dome it stands on are in need of repairs.

The marble base under the statue started to separate.

A crane outside the Rhode Island State House is helping crews prepare to take down the Independent Man statue, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (WLNE)

When crews take the statue down for restoration, it will touch the ground for the first time in almost 50 years.

The governor’s office said updates on the project are forthcoming.