Independent Man will be taken down for repairs

Gov. Dan McKee announced on Friday that the Independent Man that stands on State House dome will come down on Rhode Island ground for a historic restoration process.

After a drone footage captured on Tuesday that showed damage to the dome that hold the statue it was decided it had to be repaired. McKee said because of the damage, footage showed that the Independent Man and the dome had started to separate.

“For the first time in nearly 50 years, and only the second time in the state’s history, the Independent man will touch down on Rhode Island ground for restoration,” McKee said at the press conference.

“The Independent Man is an iconic symbol of our state and a source of pride for all Rhode Islanders,” said McKee. “The statue has weathered decades of storms, blizzards and hurricanes, and it is important that we use this opportunity to invest in the People’s House and preserve the Independent Man for generations of Rhode Islanders and visitors to enjoy.”