A Closer Look at the American Doughboy Statue

Many Americans are familiar with a statue depicting a soldier in old fashioned gear striding boldly forward with one hand raised above his head. This statue frequently appears on courthouse lawns, in city parks, and on other civic properties. Though many people will recognize this statue, very few people know its name or grasp its importance. It is actually an important WWI memorial with a rich history and fascinating legacy. Better known as The Spirit of the American Doughboy, this soldier continues to remind onlookers of the bravery displayed during this significant and costly conflict.

The Original Doughboys

Doughboy was a slang term used to refer to US foot soldiers during the First World War. The name stuck and was later applied to the statue itself, which was given a uniform and kit modeled after what the soldiers themselves actually used. The original copper sculptures were created by artist E. M. Viquesney of Indiana. When viewed from the side the doughboy resembles the pose held by the Statue of Liberty with her upraised arm. The statue became very popular in the years following the war and several dozen were installed at monument sites across the country. It even served as inspiration for a variety of art objects, including small sculptures and household items. You can still find patriotic mementos today that feature this iconic piece of American art.

Fun Facts About the Doughboy Statue

The Spirit of the American Doughboy has quite an interesting back story. Share these facts with your family the next time you spot a Doughboy statue in your travels:

• The majority of Doughboy statues were produced between 1920 and 1940
• Well over 100 of these original statues are still present today though an exact number of how many were installed has not been established
• Some doughboy bases feature tree stumps and barbed wire to suggest an active battle field while others are mounted on stone or medal pedestals
• The Spirit of the American Navy is the Doughboy’s counterpart. This WWI memorial was also designed by Viquesney and features an officer in dress uniform

Connecting With a Statue Near You

If you are lucky enough to live in a community with a doughboy statue, you might wish to learn a little more about it. Visiting a library is a great place to start. A research librarian can help you located newspaper articles or civic records that mention the statue and when it was installed. You may even be able to learn what group purchased it and when it was dedicated. This is an excellent way to connect with the people who were personally affected by the war or who served in it. Simply visiting the memorial is a good way to become more familiar with it. You may discover memorial plaques or other elements not easily seen when driving by in a hurry.

The next time you see one of these famous statues in your city, take some time to reflect on all the things it represents. The spirit of courage, patriotism, and service that the original doughboys displayed is still very much a part of what it means to be a veteran and an active service member.

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