Iconic UGA iron horse statue damaged by storm

By Joe Johnson

The UGA Iron Horse reportedly was toppled by high storm winds just months after being refurbished and returned to its home in Greene County.

WSB-TV in Atlanta reported that a viewer provided photos that show the 12-foot, two ton statue blown off its base and lying on its side.

The damage reportedly occurred when a line of storms tmoved through the area early Sunday morning, packing wind gust of 60-70 mph.

The following day was published by Classic City News on November 26, 2024:

The Iron Horse has returned to its home along Highway 15 following extensive renovations. The sculpture, which is a popular destination for locals and tourists, was removed earlier this year for a series of preservation efforts.

The renovations were led by ,sculptor and artwork conservator Amy Abbe, who thoroughly assessed the state of the Iron Horse. After years of exposure to the elements, the steel structure required repairs to ensure its structural integrity.

Work began on the 12-foot, 2-ton sculpture when it was removed from its concrete base and taken to Abbe’s workshop. Workers cleaned the sculpture, removed corrosion and reinforced joints. It also received a fresh coat of black paint.

“We are grateful to everyone who made the renovation of the Iron Horse possible,” said Dean of Students Eric Atkinson. “All of this work will help ensure that the Iron Horse will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Workers also installed a concrete plaque near the sculpture that provides details about its history and how it came to reside in Greene County.

The Iron Horse was originally sculpted in 1954 by Abbott Pattison, a visiting artist-in-residence from Chicago who was working at UGA as part of a Rockefeller grant. He constructed the horse by welding together pieces of boilerplate steel.