Madonna of the Trail

MADONNA OF THE TRAIL, LAMAR, COLORADO

In 1911, the Daughters of the American Revolution established the National Old Trails Road Committee whose work was to establish the Old Trails Road as a National Memorial Highway.  

In 1912, the National Old Trails Road Association guaranteed the expense of erecting monuments along the trail. 

By 1924, plans for the proposed markers had evolved from boulders to 12 large monuments erected by state organizations of the Daughters of the American Revolution in each of the twelve states through which the National Old Trails Road passes. The Lamar, Colorado monument was the fifth monument erected and dedicated September 24, 1928.

The monument is a pioneer woman clasping her baby, with her young son clinging to her skirts. The face of the mother is strong in character, beauty, and gentleness. She has the feeling of solidity - a monument which will stand through the ages.

The 12 monuments were poured from a mixture of crushed marble, stone, cement, lead ore and Missouri granite, which was the main ingredient in this aggregate. This stone was called an Algonite stone. This poured process allowed for all of the monuments to be the same.