The Cooper Monument Has Been Restored!

The Cooper Monument was erected in 1860 in memory of James Fenimore Cooper. Cleaning it has made it beautiful again, looking like it probably did back then.

The monument is made of white Italian marble on a granite base, with a 25-foot shaft topped by a four and a half foot statue. It was sculpted by Robert E. Launitz.

The shaft of the monument is topped by a beautifully carved Corinthian capital. Atop that, Leatherstocking, also known as Natty Bumppo, loads his rifle as his dog Hector looks on.

The cleaning removed layers of dirt that had accumulated over many decades. 

The four sides of the base are beautifully sculpted and detailed. The front shows the name Fenimore Cooper, surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves and laurel branches.

The north side of the base shows naval devices - an anchor, crossed oars, a commander's sword, and a spy glass. Cooper served as a midshipman in the Navy from 1808 to 1811. 

The south side shows Indian emblems, including a bow and arrows, a quiver, a lance with scalp locks attached, a tomahawk, and a necklace of bear claws. 

The east side shows literary emblems, including books and a manuscript, an inkwell, and an oil lamp with a snake handle. Smoke rings swirl from the extinguished lamp, and an eagle holds a quill pen in its talons. 

The monument was cleaned in May 2024 by Humphrey Memorials of Herkimer NY.  They worked with great care and expertise. Many thanks to Matt (that's him in the crane) and his crew!

We thank all the donors who made this project possible, especially members of the Cooper family, members of the James Fenimore Cooper Society, and  Lakewood lot owners.