The Human Statue of Liberty: A 1918 Patriotic Tribute Formed by 18,000 Soldiers

In 1918, a powerful and unusual tribute to American ideals was made—not in stone or metal, but in human form. At Camp Dodge in Des Moines, Iowa, an astonishing scene unfolded: 18,000 soldiers stood in formation to create a living, breathing replica of the Statue of Liberty. This remarkable human sculpture, captured in a famous photograph, symbolized not just the nation’s enduring values of freedom and democracy, but also the collective strength and unity of the United States during one of the most challenging times in its history: World War I.

A Nation United in Wartime

The year 1918 was a critical time for the United States and the world. World War I, also known as “The Great War,” had ravaged Europe for four years, and the United States had joined the conflict in 1917. The country’s military forces were undergoing rapid expansion to meet the demands of the global conflict. Across the U.S., military camps were established to train soldiers who would be sent overseas to fight in Europe. Camp Dodge, located near Des Moines, Iowa, was one of these training grounds, where thousands of young men prepared to defend the ideals their country held dear.

It was during this tumultuous time that the famous human Statue of Liberty was created. This act of patriotic artistry served as a symbol of national unity, freedom, and the commitment of American soldiers to fight for liberty on foreign shores.

The Vision Behind the Human Statue of Liberty

The idea of creating the Statue of Liberty using human bodies was the brainchild of Arthur Mole, a British-born American photographer known for his innovative work with large groups of people. Mole specialized in what he called "living photographs," where he arranged thousands of people into elaborate shapes or symbols that were visible only from a certain height. His work was a combination of military precision, artistic vision, and a deep sense of patriotism.

Mole worked alongside his collaborator John D. Thomas to bring this ambitious project to life. Their goal was to use the bodies of soldiers to create an enormous depiction of the Statue of Liberty, one of America’s most iconic symbols. The Statue of Liberty, given as a gift from France in 1886, had become a global representation of freedom, democracy, and the hope for a better life. During World War I, it also served as a reminder of what was at stake in the conflict: the preservation of liberty and the protection of democratic values.

The Logistics of the Project

Creating the human Statue of Liberty required careful planning and extraordinary coordination. Mole and Thomas had to arrange 18,000 soldiers into a shape that would resemble the statue when viewed from a specific vantage point. This process involved a painstaking level of detail, as the soldiers had to be positioned in such a way that they would form the lines, curves, and proportions of the statue’s features.

The task required military discipline and cooperation, as each soldier played a critical role in forming the overall image. From above, the soldiers came together to create not only the outline of the Statue of Liberty, but also her torch, crown, and flowing robes. The precision required to make the image appear recognizable from an aerial perspective was nothing short of remarkable.

The formation spanned over several acres of land at Camp Dodge, with the soldiers arranged in different layers to create the necessary depth and detail. Those at the top of the formation, such as those forming the flame of the torch, were positioned much closer together, while those near the base of the statue were spread out more widely. This technique of perspective manipulation allowed the entire image to come together in a way that appeared natural when photographed from above.

The Symbolism of the Human Statue of Liberty

The human Statue of Liberty represented more than just a clever visual spectacle—it was a powerful expression of patriotism and solidarity during a time of war. In 1918, the U.S. was deeply involved in the global conflict, and the need to boost morale, inspire unity, and promote the values for which soldiers were fighting was paramount. The image of 18,000 men coming together to form the Statue of Liberty was a potent symbol of collective effort, sacrifice, and national pride.

The soldiers in the formation were preparing to leave for the battlefields of Europe, where they would join the Allied forces in the fight against the Central Powers. The war had already claimed millions of lives, and these men were ready to risk everything to defend their country’s ideals. By forming the shape of the Statue of Liberty, they symbolized the unity and strength of the American people, as well as their willingness to defend the principles of freedom and democracy.

The Legacy of the Human Statue of Liberty

The photograph of the human Statue of Liberty has endured as a lasting symbol of America’s wartime unity and the collective power of its citizens. The image stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that can emerge even in times of great hardship. It also highlights the role of art and symbolism in rallying people around a common cause.

Arthur Mole’s living photograph was part of a series of similar works he created during World War I, including formations of the Liberty Bell, the American flag, and the U.S. Army insignia. These images were widely distributed and used in propaganda to inspire patriotism and support for the war effort. Today, they serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served during the Great War and the enduring power of collective action.

Conclusion

The human Statue of Liberty created at Camp Dodge in 1918 remains one of the most striking and memorable images of the World War I era. Formed by 18,000 soldiers standing in perfect formation, it symbolized the unity, strength, and dedication of the American people in a time of great turmoil. The ingenuity behind the project, combined with the deep symbolic meaning of the Statue of Liberty, made it a powerful expression of patriotism and a lasting tribute to the men and women who fought for freedom during the Great War. Today, the image continues to inspire awe and serve as a reminder of the collective strength of a united people.