The University of Wyoming campus is filled with plaques and statues, each with a unique meaning. One of the most prominent is the Benjamin Franklin statue, which sits to the south of the College of Arts and Science building.
The statue was created in 1956 by Robert Russin, who also designed the University Family and Abraham Lincoln statue off I-80. It is made of bronze and was dedicated to Franklin as a gift for his 250th birthday.
This statue is one of four in the world where Franklin is shown standing. These depictions of Franklin are rare, as it is rumored he never stood for portraits due to insecurities about his height.
Over the years, various members of the UW community have vandalized the statue. Franklin has been seen sporting googly eyes, hats, and leis. In 2020, he was even dressed in a mask.
The statue reads, “He was a great American statesman, philosopher, scientist, man of letters, and civic leader. His accomplishments have enriched his homeland and the world.”
The plaque goes on to list Franklin’s accomplishments: “The lightning poor, Richard’s Almanack, Founder of the American Philosophical Society, and the academy which became the University of Pennsylvania, Colonel agent of England, Commissioner to Canada, Member of the Continental Congress, Member of the committee for The Declaration of Independence, Postmaster General, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, The Treaty of Paris, Member of the Federal Constitution Convention- The Autobiography.”
One of Franklin’s famous quotes is inscribed at the bottom of the plaque and reads,“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.”
The founding father was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in the year 1706. Franklin filled many different roles over his lifetime, from the U.S. Minister to Sweden and France to the first U.S. Postmaster General. He died in 1790 at age 84 after making many contributions to the scientific and political realms.
