Historical Significance:
The Madonna of the Trail is a series of 12 monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States. These monuments were commissioned by NSDAR and erected in each of the 12 states through which the National Old Trails Road (Route 40) passes - from Maryland to California. The Madonnas were created by sculptor August Leimbach and made of algonite stone. All were dedicated in 1928 and 1929, with the Ohio Madonna being dedicated first, on July 4, 1928. The Ohio Madonna has been moved from its original location along Route 40 to a park setting in the center of Springfield, Ohio.