City to Dedicate Liberty Plaza at American Heritage Park

MOUNT VERNON, October 14, 2024 – The City of Mount Vernon will dedicate Liberty Plaza on Monday,
October 28, 2024 at 10 a.m. at American Heritage Park.
Located at the corner of Columbus Avenue and South Main Street, American Heritage Park serves as the
backbone to the City’s recreation and transportation network. A true gateway to the trails, the Kokosing
River, Ariel~Foundation Park and downtown Mount Vernon, this hub serves both residents and visitors alike.
And now, American Heritage Park will greet those who enter Mount Vernon with a nine-foot, 1,500-pound
Statue of Liberty.
“We are so grateful to Ariel Foundation for this gift to enhance American Heritage Park,” said Mayor Matthew
Starr. “This dedication marks the beginning of some exciting things taking place at the park. We look forward
to completing our other projects on the campus and really making this gateway into Mount Vernon shine.”
Much like the original dedication ceremony of the Statue of Liberty in New York City, Mount Vernon also
chose to dedicate this public art in late October. “The original Statue of Liberty was unveiled on October 28,
1886,” said Tanner Salyers, the City’s Safety-Service Director. “It’s exciting for our dedication to have a deep
tie into history. We hope residents and visitors will have the same excitement when they see the statue right
here in downtown.”
Liberty Plaza highlights a nine-foot, bronze statue made from the final maquette utilized by Frédéric-Auguste
Bartholdi in planning for his creation of what was originally known as “Liberty Enlightening the World.” Mount Vernon’s Statue of Liberty now will greet the community, visitors and all who come to the City seeking new opportunities. In addition to the new Liberty Plaza, the City of Mount Vernon is finalizing plans to spotlight the service and sacrifice of America’s military and first responders through monuments and displays across the park grounds.
In partnership with the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Mount Vernon invites the
public to join the dedication ceremony on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 10 a.m. To RSVP, call the Knox
County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 740-392-6102.