Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat Goes Missing from Famed Kentucky Statue
The Louisville Metro Police Department is currently investigating the mysterious disappearance of a cherished bronze hat belonging to Abraham Lincoln's statue in Kentucky's Waterfront Park. The iconic hat, which stands around 60 cm tall and weighs approximately 20 kilograms, has become a beloved fixture of the park since the statue's dedication in 2009.
The statue's creator, renowned sculptor Ed Hamilton, first learned of the hat's disappearance from the Waterfront Development Corporation, the nonprofit organization responsible for maintaining the park. Hamilton, known for his public sculptures such as Virginia's "Unfinished March" honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and "Spirit of Freedom" commemorating African American soldiers and sailors in the Civil War, designed the Lincoln statue as a tribute to the 16th president's journey to Kentucky in the 1840s.
According to Hamilton, the hat was bolted to the statue at two points using screws, suggesting a determined effort to remove it. The roughly 8-foot-tall statue, including the base, would tower over visitors if Lincoln were standing. The bronze statue has provided a peaceful and sacred space for park-goers since its inception, with many visitors taking photos, meditating, or simply sitting next to it.
Hamilton expressed surprise and disappointment at the hat's disappearance, calling the park a "wonderful jewel" and adding that the hat was a popular spot for visitors to connect with the legendary figure. In a Facebook post, Hamilton wrote, "They must have been strong and determined to loosen the bronze from its pedestal, oh my God!"
The hat's disappearance has captured the attention of visitors and locals alike, with many expressing hope for its safe return. While the investigation is ongoing, Hamilton is already considering creating a replacement hat to restore the statue's iconic appearance. "Then we'll make it even stronger," he said.
Though there are no specific details available about attempts to find or replace the hat, archived news sources and official statements from the park authorities or local government may provide further information. In the meantime, the statue remains a cherished landmark in Kentucky's Waterfront Park, offering visitors a chance to connect with the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
