Norwegian Lady Statue, Virginia Beach
The Norwegian Lady Statue servs as a somber reminder of the perils of the sea and the enduring bonds formed through shared tragedy. This statue, along with its twin located in Moss, Norway, forms a transatlantic memorial that commemorates the disastrous shipwreck of the Norwegian barque Dictator. The vessel met its tragic end on March 27, 1891, south of the Chesapeake Bay's mouth, near Virginia Beach, where it was ultimately destroyed by the harsh Atlantic elements.
The story behind the statues is one of both loss and heroism. When the Dictator foundered, it resulted in the death of several crew members, including the captain's wife and son. The Virginia Beach community, moved by the tragedy and the bravery of those who responded to the shipwreck, later established this memorial to honor those who perished and to celebrate the local lifesavers' courageous efforts. The figure of the Norwegian Lady, looking out to sea, serves as an enduring symbol of mourning and remembrance for those lost to the waters, as well as a testament to the spirit of international friendship and support that arose from the incident.
The statue in Virginia Beach is a replica of the original figurehead from the Dictator, which washed ashore after the shipwreck. Crafted with care, the statue not only represents a touching historical remembrance but also has become a maritime icon integral to the identity of the Virginia Beach community. Today, the Norwegian Lady Statue not only commemorates a tragic maritime event but also symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit and the strong cultural bonds between Norway and the United States.
The story behind the statues is one of both loss and heroism. When the Dictator foundered, it resulted in the death of several crew members, including the captain's wife and son. The Virginia Beach community, moved by the tragedy and the bravery of those who responded to the shipwreck, later established this memorial to honor those who perished and to celebrate the local lifesavers' courageous efforts. The figure of the Norwegian Lady, looking out to sea, serves as an enduring symbol of mourning and remembrance for those lost to the waters, as well as a testament to the spirit of international friendship and support that arose from the incident.
The statue in Virginia Beach is a replica of the original figurehead from the Dictator, which washed ashore after the shipwreck. Crafted with care, the statue not only represents a touching historical remembrance but also has become a maritime icon integral to the identity of the Virginia Beach community. Today, the Norwegian Lady Statue not only commemorates a tragic maritime event but also symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit and the strong cultural bonds between Norway and the United States.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Virginia Beach. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Norwegian Lady Statue on Map
Sight Name: Norwegian Lady Statue
Sight Location: Virginia Beach, USA (See walking tours in Virginia Beach)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Virginia Beach, USA (See walking tours in Virginia Beach)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Create Your Own Walk in Virginia Beach
Creating your own self-guided walk in Virginia Beach is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oceanfront Walk
Virginia Beach, the most populous city in Virginia, is a coastal destination renowned for its extensive Oceanfront area, a key attraction with miles of beaches flanked by numerous hotels, restaurants, monuments, and museums. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest pleasure beach globally. Apart from the beach itself, though, the city is also known for its state parks and military bases.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles