The "Independent Man" Statue

When lightning struck the dome, the massive Georgia marble blocks that support the “Independent Man” statue on top of the Rhode Island  State House were damaged. Independent Man is a 1,200-pound, gold-plated bronze sculpture and a proud symbol of the state. It was determined that the sculpture had to be removed to allow for emergency repairs to the stonework. The Rhode Island  State House was designed by McKim, Mead & White and completed in 1899. Independent Man had only been removed once before, in 1975.

EverGreene was engaged to direct and oversee the safe removal of the sculpture. After careful study of the work, a plan was developed and implemented. Working with architects, engineers, and skilled masons, our team ensured that the 14 foot tall sculpture was carefully rigged and hoisted off the State House dome and then carried into the building where it remained on display for approximately one month before being moved to a workshop for conservation and regilding. Independent Man returned to his perch in 2024.