The Puritan Statue

The bronze statue of an early settler dressed in the trademark cape and buckled Capotain hat was created by Augustus St. Gaudens in 1887. It subsequently became so popular that reproductions were placed in more than 20 American cities. The likeness is of Deacon Samuel Chapin, one of the early settlers of Springfield, and ancestor to railroad tycoon Chester W. Chapin. The statue which stands near The Quadrangle Museums is the official symbol of the city. (Submitted by Shirley Beauchemin Thurston)