Mary Draper Ingles Statue

Welcome to the Mary Draper Ingles Statue, a captivating tribute to a remarkable woman whose story is etched into the history of Boone County, Kentucky. Located at 1786 Burlington Pike, in front of the Main Library in Burlington, this bronze statue frequently piques the curiosity of both children and adults alike.

Mary Draper Ingles was a resilient and courageous woman, best known for her daring escape from Indian captivity in 1755. Captured by the Shawnee at Draper’s Meadows in Virginia, Mary was taken to Big Bone Lick in Kentucky, where she endured great hardship before bravely escaping and making a grueling journey back to her family. Her incredible story of survival and determination is beautifully captured in the historical novel, "Follow the River" by James Alexander Thom, available at the library.

The statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Matthew Scott Langford, stands as a testament to Mary's indomitable spirit and her connection to the local area. Langford, a professional sculptor since 1991, has deep ties to Northern Kentucky, living near the site of Mary’s historic escape.

Visitors often express concern for Mary’s bare feet in the cold, or are intrigued by the size of her feet, sparking conversations and questions about her life and legacy. We invite you to explore her story further by visiting the library and viewing the statue. While you're here, enjoy the other engaging exhibits, including the popular Robot Zoo and upcoming Anne Frank display.

Discover the inspiring tale of Mary Draper Ingles and experience the rich history and culture that our local library and its surroundings have to offer. We look forward to welcoming you!