With little fanfare, the iconic statue of Abraham Lincoln that sits atop UW-Madison’s Bascom Hill turned 100 today.

He does look a little worse for his 100 years. He was professionally restored in 1999, but since then, his left toe boot and nose have been rubbed raw — to a shiny brass color — as people touch him for good luck.

Abe was unveiled in 1909 on Bascom Hill, although not in the same spot he sits now. The statue is a duplicate of Adolph A. Weinman’s original, which was erected in Lincoln’s native town of Hodgenville, Ky. An alumnus coaxed Weinman to sell the statue to UW-Madison for $8,000, despite higher offers from other universities and states. He originally sat in the middle of Bascom Hill, between North and South Halls. He was moved to his current location in front of Bascom Hall in 1919.

The party will have to wait until September. Then, the 1st Brigade Band, a re-creation of a Wisconsin band that marched with Gen. William Sherman during the Civil War, will join Chancellor Biddy Martin and members of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission for a celebration at the statue.

Abe will get spruced up for the occasion; he’ll be cleaned and waxed.

No doubt, he’ll remain stoic through it all.

Click here to watch a video: Abe at 100.

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