Great Bend Post
Nov 26, 2024

‘The Rifleman’ statue, preserving history in Barton County

Posted Nov 26, 2024 12:35 PM
Ira Brougher standing next to "The Rifleman" statue that was dedicated in 1915 next to the Barton County Courthouse in Great Bend. (Photo courtesy of the Frederick Hibbard family estate)
Ira Brougher standing next to "The Rifleman" statue that was dedicated in 1915 next to the Barton County Courthouse in Great Bend. (Photo courtesy of the Frederick Hibbard family estate)

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

Next to the Barton County Courthouse in Great Bend, there is a statue known as “The Rifleman.” The bronze soldier statue represents an eternal guard in defense of the Union, from the Civil War in the 1860s.

Barton County Historical Society historian Justin Engleman said the monument was erected and dedicated in 1915 for Ira Brougher, a soldier that paid for the sculpture after settling in Kansas following the war.

"This is supposed to be a representation of Ira Brougher, who was a Civil War veteran and lost his arm during the Battle of Antietam in 1862," said Engleman. "We definitely want to preserve it. There are names of every member of the Pap Thomas Post GAR. This is a 'who's who' of Barton County's founding."

The statue was sculpted by Frederick Hibbard from Chicago.

The Historical Society is looking to further recognize and highlight the statue that was preserved and repaired in 2015 for the 100th anniversary of the dedication. The $25,000 repairs was split amongst the City of Great Bend and Historical Society.

"We want to do something to honor it. If someone has a brilliant idea, let me know."

Ron Harvey, from Tuckerbrook Conservation, was hired to to clean and repair "The Rifleman" statue in Great Bend in 2015.
Ron Harvey, from Tuckerbrook Conservation, was hired to to clean and repair "The Rifleman" statue in Great Bend in 2015.

Engleman said there is a very important reason the statue faces the south, looking at the courthouse.

"It was because he was a Union soldier, so he's going south," said Engleman. "I'm part of committee where they're looking to do streetscape downtown, and they suggested the statue needs to be turned around facing away from the courthouse. I immediately said 'no, no, no, no.' He cannot be turned around."

The statue also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices soldiers made in the Civil War and that of every soldier who has served our nation since.    

The Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Board recognized, along with "The Rifleman," there needs to be consideration of a fund to preserve past and future murals, sculptures and art.

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