Anderson Doughboy, and His Twin, Remain Symbols of Freedom

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Walking through shattered tree stumps strung and barbed wire, the iconic “Spirit of the American Doughboy” in Anderson, rifle in left hand and right hand held high above his head, clutching a hand grenade, lives on as a local symbol of patriotism

Anderson’s Doughboy is one of only four with an unusual closed-mouth design.

But Anderson’s statue, one of 159 nationwide, has had a rocky 90 years, including moves and vandalism that almost destroyed the creation beyond use.

The original Anderson Doughboy honoring the veterans of World War I. Originally a granite monument and flag pole were set up to honor the war’s veterans on the corner of Calhoun Street and Boulevard across from Anderson College. In 1934, the local American Legion raised funds for the statue, which was added to the memorial park for a total of roughly $1,000.

It was installed on Armistice Day 1934, on a mound-of-rocks base, 18 years after the end of the war.

In 1939, Postelle Cater and William Watson donated six acres on Greenville Street where the current Legion Post resides. Within two years, the statue and the other parts of the memorial park were moved to this site.

In 2003, conservationists restored damage from age to the statue, but in 2008 vandals tore down the original doughboy and damaged it beyond meaningful restoration.

The pieces were saved and sent to the museum, where a creatively reimagined statue eventually became a featured “Andersonians at War” military exhibit in the museum.

On November 11, 2011, at 11 a.m. a replacement statue was dedicated at the Anderson Legion Post, where it stands today.