Lady Forward
Meet Lady Forward, a powerful symbol of Wisconsin’s spirit. Often confused with the statue atop the Capitol building in Madison, which is named Wisconsin, this iconic figure stands proudly at the top of State Street, her arm outstretched in a gesture of progress and devotion. Since her creation in 1893 by sculptor Jean Pond Miner Coburn, Lady Forward has represented the state’s commitment to innovation and resilience, making her a cherished emblem of Wisconsin’s identity and values. Discover the rich history and significance of this remarkable statue that inspires generations of Wisconsinites.
From Chicago to Capitol: Lady Forward’s Journey
Sculptor Jean Pond Miner Coburn completed her original “Forward” statue in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, after being commissioned to create art representing the state of Wisconsin. In 1895 the statue was placed at the east entrance of the state Capitol. In 1916, the State rededicated “Forward” and moved it to the North Hamilton Street entrance, where it remained until 1995 when people noticed it was deteriorating due to more than 100 years of exposure to Wisconsin weather. Led by Wisconsin’s first lady Sue Ann Thompson and local businesswoman Camille Haney, women from across the state funded the creation of a bronze replica of the statue — the original stands in the Wisconsin Historical Society’s headquarters in Madison.
The Sculptor Behind the Statue
Miner was born in Menasha, in the northeastern part of the state, in 1865 and grew up in Madison. She graduated from Downer College (now Milwaukee-Downer College), a women’s college in Fox Lake, and then went on to study at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1895 she was given the honor of having her statue placed in a prominent spot at the state Capitol — unusual for a woman at this time. Miner married Alonzo J. Coburn in Madison in 1896. She continued to create sculptures and worked in a studio at her son’s Wilmette, Illinois, residence until about a week before her death in 1967 at the age of 101.
A Motto for Progress and Innovation
Forward is “an allegory of devotion and progress,” according to the Wisconsin Historical Society, reflecting Wisconsin’s continuous drive to be a national leader. The state adopted “Forward” as the official state motto in 1851. It signifies a focus on innovation, progress and moving ahead — qualities that are central to Wisconsin’s identity and history. The motto embodies the idea of looking toward the future while building on the state’s rich heritage.
The Significance of the ‘Forward’ Statue
The “Forward” statue stands as a reminder of Wisconsin’s ideals. It encapsulates the state’s values, aspirations and mindset of progress and resilience, and this forward-thinking attitude fosters unity while shaping the state’s identity. It inspires Wisconsinites to work together toward improving education, economy and community. “Forward” stands as a reminder to embrace change and to strive for improvement, both as individuals and as a state.
Cover photo: The head of Wisconsin’s Lady Forward. Photo by Lauren Aguila.
Tile photo: The body of Wisconsin’s Lady Forward. Photo by Lauren Aguila.