Ellen Hixon – Statue
Artist: Mike Martino
Location: Grandad Bluff – Grandad Bluff Rd. La Crosse, WI 54601
This statue is dedicated to Ellen Hixon, the widow of Gideon C. Hixon, who was responsible for saving Grandad Bluff and Hixon Forest after a developer began turning it into a rock quarry. In 1909, Ellen began a public campaign to raise $15,000 to buy the bluff. She raised $3,000 before donating the final $12,000 herself.
Martino chose to show Ellen enjoying a moment of reflection and placed a pine bough in Ellen’s hand, a reminder that the Hixons made their fortune in lumber.
