“Progress of the State,” the iconic Minnesota State Capitol statue (often called “The Quadriga”) was not actually made in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. That’s right – not from around here. In fact, a New York foundry executed it and then shipped it to St. Paul in 1906.

If you've ever had cause to visit - or even drive by - the Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul, you've probably noticed the golden statue perched over the capitol's portico, in front of its dome.
Amoghavarsha Suresh/Google
It's graced the capitol since 1906.
That's right, the one with the horses and the people.
Rick/Google
This iconic Minnesota statue is officially titled "Progress of the State." But it's commonly called "The Quadriga."
Haim Oked/Google

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The statute depicts a four-horse chariot in the style of the Greeks and Romans. The charioteer is lofting a legion inscribed with the word, "Minnesota." The horses are guided by two women, who hold their reins.
Minnesota State Capitol/Google
It's an allegory for the forward procession of a prosperous Minnesota, harnessing the power of nature (as symbolized by the horses) and civilization, as represented by the women, who are "Agriculture" and "Industry."
Daniel Chester French and Edward Clark designed and created the sculpture.
Unknown/Wikimedia Commons
It was based on their "Columbus Quadriga" which they unveiled at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Interestingly, the sculpture was not made in Minnesota.
Bob Herskovitz/Wikimedia Commons
It was crafted from hammered copper over a steel frame at the John Williams Inc. Bronze Foundry in New York. Then it was gilded with 23-karat leaf gold. The statute is removed and re-gilded every 20 years, or so.

If you’re looking for other iconic Minnesota art or landmarks, be sure to check out these historic sites, and leave time for a visit to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. When you’re near the State Capitol, consider a visit to the historic main branch of the St. Paul Public Library, another architecturally unique building in Minnesota’s capital city.

Have you had a chance to visit the State Capitol and learn about “Progress of the State” or any of the other art in its halls or on its grounds?

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Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155, USA