Iron Horse

The "Iron Horse" is a 10-foot-high, one-ton abstract sculpture of a horse crafted in iron by University of Georgia artist Abbott Pattison in 1954. The front of Reed Hall dormitory was selected as the campus setting to display the work. However, students immediately reacted negatively to the abstract sculpture. Twice during the night of May 27, 1954, straw was placed around it and set on fire, and the word "Front" was painted on the horse's neck. University officials quickly moved the controversial sculpture to a secret hiding place. Eventually, it was loaned to an agricultural professor who placed in the middle of a field on his farm in Greene County, where it can be seen today from Ga. 15 just north of the Oconee River.
 
 

Photo: Mary Porter
 
 

© Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia