Hype for the Future 8D: Madonna of the Trail Statues

Within the twelve (12) states containing the Madonna of the Trail statues, historical interest often occurs with the celebration of pioneer women across the region and beyond. Derived from the National Old Trails Road, the twelve Madonna of the Trail statues relate to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to promote the celebration of the historically marginalized groups, not just women. The twelve states, from east to west, with the National Old Trails Road (and thus the Madonna of the Trail statues) are Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. More specifically, the statues are located in Bethesda, Maryland; Beallsville, Pennsylvania; Wheeling, West Virginia; Springfield, Ohio; Richmond, Indiana; Vandalia, Illinois; Lexington, Missouri; Council Grove, Kansas; Lamar, Colorado; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Springerville, Arizona; and Upland, California. While the twelve statues are designed identically, every individual statue provides a unique story that is best experienced when individuals and communities begin in Maryland and end in California.