A gift in memory of Frank D. Rich (1894 to 1990): Citizen, Patriot, Veteran, and City Builder.
Rich Foundation commissioned Cavalier Galleries to cast the Stamford Lincoln statue as a gift to the City of Stamford provided it remains in Veterans Memorial Park, is maintained, and cared for. The statue rests upon a granite platform in a prominent location in the Park and was dedicated on July 11, 1995.
The Stamford Lincoln was inspired by Gutzon Borglum’s Seated Lincoln, which had been displayed in Veterans Memorial Park since 1991. Borglum created his Lincoln in 1910 at his studio in Stamford, on what is now Studio Road. The affection generated by the Seated Lincoln inspired Mayor Esposito, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Special Services District to seek a permanent home for the Stamford Lincoln in a suitable setting. John Blair, a master sculptor and conservator, responded with a model that portrays a compassionate Lincoln.
The statue’s placement in Veterans Memorial Park reinforces the park's commemorative purpose, paying homage to those who died in American conflicts. Lincoln, himself, was a key figure in America’s greatest war. The low circular platform on which Lincoln is seated invites viewers to ascend a few steps to sit alongside him and reflect on the sacrifices made by American heroes who fought for the freedoms enjoyed by future generations. Regarding his model, John Blair stated, “To reinforce and complement the cenotaph elements of Veterans Memorial Park, I have created the Stamford Lincoln with figure and pedestal as a unified piece. Given the community's affection for Borglum’s Lincoln, I have placed my version of his masterpiece to emphasize the accessibility and universality of Lincoln as a human being.”
The renovation of Veterans Memorial Park was done with special care and consideration for the Stamford Lincoln. In 2024 Stamford, keeping its promise to the Rich Foundation, conducted repairs and maintenance to the base of the statue and added a granite block at its back to display an existing plaque, and to prevent skateboarders from damaging the stone.
