Grandma Gatewood Statue Project | Where Will Grandma Gatewood Be On The AT?

When sculptor Bridgette Mongeon and Paul Maxwell from the Ohio Valley Memorial Gardens first got together about the project of a sculpture of Grandma Gatewood, the idea was to create one sculpture that would sit on Grandma Gatewood’s Grave.

Bridgette also longed to bring Grandma Gatewood back to the Appalachian Trail. Two sculptures are easy. It means the artist sculpts one design and casts two bronzes. One for the trail and the other for the cemetery, but where would a sculpture of Grandma Gatewood go on the Appalachian Trail?

Finding a place for Grandma Gatewood is a big challenge. The Appalachian Trail is over 2,190 miles and 14 states; according to the Appalachian Trail community,

“There are 51 communities along the Appalachian Trail’s corridor that have been recognized in the A.T. Community™ program. These towns and cities are assets for everyone who uses the A.T., providing food, supplies, recreation, history, volunteer opportunities, and so much more. Find special events and promotions, plan your own A.T. adventures — whether for an afternoon or for multiple days — and explore everything these communities have to offer.”

Bridgette, Paul, and the Grandma Gatewood family have some choices, so where will Grandma Gatewood go? There are all sorts of hurdles in getting Grandma Gatewood back on the trail. How can we place her on the trail without encroaching on designated land that may have regulations? We have our eye on some places. But for now, it is a mystery. We do hope to announce soon once we finalize all the details. So stay tuned.