Standing more than 278 feet above Smith Hill, the Independent Man has been a fixture of the Providence landscape since 1899.

The statue, originally named "Hope," is a bronze figure created by artist George Brewster. He stands more than 11-feet tall and weighs more than 500 pounds.

Standing tall for more than 100 years, the Independent Man has braved Rhode Island blizzards and hurricanes alike, and has been struck by lightning 27 times. He was removed in 1975 for repairs, and after a brief stint inside a Warwick shopping mall returned to his perch in 1976.

A symbol of freedom and independence, the Independent Man holds a spear in his right hand and the state symbol, an anchor, lies at his feet.