Written by Grace Canlas
Hillsdale College is committed to defending liberty by raising up educated citizens. The Liberty Walk seeks to cultivate informed patriotism, protecting freedom for the future generations of America. In a time when the nation’s history is subjected to ever-increasing attacks from distorted and dishonest narratives, the Liberty Walk stands as a reminder of America’s true heritage. The Hillsdale College Liberty Walk is a way to remember and honor the great leaders who have come before us and paved the way for freedom. This is part one of a three-part Liberty Walk series exploring the statues around Hillsdale’s campus. This first article features three of America’s distinguished Founding Fathers: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madision.
Who: George Washington
Location: In front of Moss Hall
Sculptor: Hillsdale College Associate Professor of Art Anthony Frudakis
Date of Dedication: May 9, 2003
A gift to the students, faculty, and staff of Hillsdale College, from Edward Reid, in loving memory of his wife Marjorie.
As George Washington stands majestically, looking out at the world that lies before him, we are reminded of his faithful service to the American people. Washington understood what this nation had the potential to be and sacrificed himself time and time again to make it a reality. Washington was born for such a time as this—the founding of the American Republic. While he was placed in a time that needed him the most, he also thought of the generations yet to come. Our first president reminds us of the enduring power and value of a legacy. We have nothing and are nothing without those who have come before us. Washington leaves us a legacy of unrivaled courage that empowered him to live a life of honor and lead others to do the same, whether on the battlefield or in the seat of government. He reminds us of our power to inspire others when we ourselves are rightly ordered according to the moral virtues.
“A good moral character is the first essential in a man…It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous.”
George Washington
Letter to George Steptoe Washington
December 5, 1790
Who: Thomas Jefferson
Location: Near the cornerstone of Central Hall
Sculptor: Hillsdale College Associate Professor of Art Anthony Frudakis
Date of Dedication: April 16, 2009
A gift to students, staff, and faculty of Hillsdale College from Jack R. and Annette H. Henderson.
Thomas Jefferson holds a book in his right hand as he sits peacefully in a chair similar to that in which he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Through his various works, we learn the importance of humility when discussing the wisdom that has come before us and stood the test of time. In a letter to Henry Lee, Jefferson explicitly stated that the Declaration of Independence was not founded on any new philosophy, but instead on enduring principles from men such as Aristotle, Cicero, and Locke. Jefferson reminds us of the importance of understanding those who have come before us in order to understand that which is our own. We also honor our third president for his commitment to the spirit of liberty, being a major proponent of limited and local government. As Aristotle argued, we are happy and free when we are self-governed, which is intrinsically linked with moral virtue, for moral virtue is itself a form of self-government. In this we are reminded that civic responsibility and eternal vigilance are necessary for the preservation of freedom.
“The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time: the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them.”
Thomas Jefferson
Draft of Instructions to the Virginia Delegates in the Continental Congress
July 1774
Who: James Madison
Location: In front of Delp Hall
Sculptor: Hillsdale College Associate Professor of Art Anthony Frudakis
Date of Dedication: September 22, 2020
A gift to students, faculty, and staff of Hillsdale College from Richard and Mary Mader
Holding both his quill and ink, James Madison stands with a pensive demeanor, understanding the weight of that which he is about to write, the Constitution of the United States and his defense of it in the Federalist Papers. When reflecting on his work, we are reminded of the American spirit of unity: E Pluribus Unum — “out of many, one.” In spite of all the tensions and disagreements present at the Constitutional Convention, men from across the American colonies worked tirelessly to draft a Constitution that would best preserve freedom for the new and diverse nation. In a position where many would have given up, Madison maintained an indomitable spirit when drafting both the Constitution of the United States and his share of the Federalist Papers. Madison reminds us that liberty is something worthy for all Americans to unite on and fight for. It is our duty to know our freedoms and how to defend them, not only for ourselves, but for the generations yet to come.
“What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable, than that of Liberty and Learning, each leaning on the other for their mutual and surest support?”
James Madison
Letter to W.T. Barry
August 4, 1822
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison represent the American values of liberty and self-government. Hillsdale College seeks to honor their legacies and defend the freedoms they sacrificed so much to secure, not only for themselves, but also for us.
Grace Canlas, ’27, is a prospective English major and military history and grand strategy minor. When not studying in the library, she can be found practicing martial arts or laughing with her family and friends.
Published in May 2024
