Special Construction:
Spirit of the Rivers Monument, Two Rivers, WI
Installed north of the wayside on Memorial Dr. between Manitowoc and Two Rivers, the “Spirit of the Rivers” public monument depicts a trio of 10-ft-tall bronze figures carrying a birch bark canoe between two navigable waters – symbolic of an activity done by those who called the lakeshore home for thousands of years. The majestic Spirit of the Rivers monument is the work of internationally recognized artist and Manitowoc native R.T. “Skip” Wallen, and stands as a tribute to “the first vessels to ply these waters and foreshadows our rich maritime history.” Nine years in the making, the landmark public art project is a collaborative effort between the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers and will serve as an educational resource and local attraction.
The concrete base poured to support the statues is 5’ thick and with reinforcing steel weighs more than 56,000 lbs. A steel frame was fabricated by Broadwind Towers and covered on the sides and top with 2” thick granite panels. The 10’ high, 3-ton bronze statues were then mounted on top of the base.
Learn more about Spirit of the Rivers.
Completed Spirit of the Rivers Monument after Figures were Installed Three Ton Bronze Monument Figures placed and attached to Granite Topped Base Installing Native American Figures for Spirit of the Rivers Monument Steel Structure Frames Installed for the Spirit of the Rivers Monument Hamann installing Steel Structure Frames to Support Granite Tops and Bronze Sculptures Detailed Work by Hamann installing Steel Structures to Support Granite Tops and Bronze Sculptures Concrete Base to Support Statues for Spirit of the Rivers Monument Concrete Pour of the Spirit of the Rivers Monument Base Concrete Base being Poured for the Spirit of the Rivers Monument Five-Inch Thick Concrete Base with Reinforced Steel to Support Statues Concrete Pour for the Base of the Spirit of the Rivers Monument in Two Rivers Framing for Concrete Base to Hold 56000 Pound Statues Work Underway for Public Art Project Spirit of the Rivers Spirit of the Monument Recognized Artist RT Skip Wallen Groundbreaking Ceremony for Spirit of the Rivers Monument in Two Rivers