The Daniel Bean Statue in Brownfield

Standing in Brownfield, Maine, since 1911, the Daniel Augustine Bean statue is a unique Civil War monument honoring not a general, but a local soldier. The bronze figure depicts a young, clean-shaven, unarmed youth raising his right hand, capturing a fresh-faced, rather than battle-hardened, expression while taking his oath.

Most Civil War monuments are forged in, well, aggression—screaming, rifle-wielding, or dramatic death scenes. Daniel Bean, however, looks like he’s just politely asking for directions to the cafeteria, or perhaps pledging his allegiance to a rather intense game of high-stakes marbles.  

The statue’s existence is thanks to a touch of survivor’s guilt and a lot of loyalty. Daniel’s best friend, Elias P. Morton, enlisted alongside him. While Daniel died at age 18 following a series of skirmishes outside Richmond, Virginia, Elias survived and eventually became a successful bookkeeper. Decades later, Elias commissioned Boston artist John A. Wilson to sculpt his friend back to life using an old photograph, ensuring Daniel would remain a teenager forever in the heart of their hometown.