The bronze sculpture of the Civil War soldier arrived yesterday afternoon. The sculpture is a replica of the original stone figure that was knocked off its pedestal in December of 2008 and destroyed. The monument committee commissioned David Seagraves to create the bronze replica of the first statue, and it was set in place on a day almost as windy as the one that toppled the original statue.

The ceremony dedicating the new monument will be on Saturday, April 9.

The monument was protected during the drive.

It's quickly decided to use the forklift to pull the 400-pound statue out of the truck..

The statue was bolted to its shipping container.

A close-up look at the face, which won't be so easily seen when up on the pedestal.

Rather unceremoniously the soldier is hoisted up by his neck.

The crane slowly raises the statue as winds continue to swirl on the courthouse lawn.

In place, the new figure is bolted down to the pedestal on four sides.

And now, like Abe, he belongs to the ages.

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