Morton statue arrives at Nebraska City

Video by NCTC

 NEBRASKA CITY –  A statue of Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton has recently made the trip from its home the past 80 years at the national capitol to Nebraska City.

 

The nine-foot, 5,500-pound statue is installed at its new home at the Morton-James Public Library, but it remains under wraps. An unveiling is scheduled at noon on Monday, Aug. 21. Mayor Bryan Bequette is invited to attend.

 

Morton and Williams Jennings Bryan were replaced at the Capitol’s National Statutory Hall by Willa Cather and Ponca Chief Standing Bear.

 Morton launched Arbor Day in 1872, 18 years after moving to Nebraska  City. He was farmer, editor and member of the territorial legislature. He was U.S. secretary of agriculture for President Grover Cleveland.