Hamilton County Freedom Rock
- Location: 828 Shakespeare Ave, Stratford, IA 50249
- Saturday - Sunday: Sunrise to Sunset
- Tours: Self Guided
Freedom Rock
Stratford Iowa is the home of The Hamilton County Freedom Rock located on the north end of main street at 828 Shakespeare Ave.
Hamilton County Freedom Rock is the 66th one painted.
With a theme of “Generations of Service in Hamilton County,” the Hamilton County Freedom Rock depicts uniformed male and female service members from a variety of eras.
There was a Tuskegee airman born in Webster City, so we included that,” said Sorensen as he put finishing details on the picture of a WW II Women’s Air Corps member. “I can’t include every branch of service on every rock, but I hope that every race and gender are represented somewhere on a rock in the state.”
The rock in Stratford, which Sorensen estimates to weigh 25 to 30 tons, rests on a custom-made stand on a corner lot of Shakespeare Avenue.
How Freedom Rock Started
The artist, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, was inspired by the movie Saving Private Ryan, as well as, wanting to give Veterans a unique recognition on Memorial Day. A guided tour is not needed to view the sculptures; anyone is welcome to visit the park and view the sculptures during daylight hours.
While painting murals across the country Sorensen had the idea of spreading the message of The Freedom Rock to other small communities across Iowa. The idea in part came from the 99 county tours that both Sen. Grassley and journalist Kyle Munson took part in, and so the Freedom Rock Tour was born.
Sorensen has traveled the state of Iowa the past decade or so, to put a (smaller and unique to their area) Freedom Rock in each county. There is now a Freedom Rock in every one of Iowa's 99 counties! Now, Bubba has started the 50 State Freedom Rock Tour and is now booking across the country.
During the winter months Sorensen can be found painting indoor murals (or in warm climates outdoor murals). He is also an Iowa Legislator and works for House District 20 at the State Capitol from January through the end of session in April/May (usually).
Every Iowa County Has a Freedom Rock
Sorensen has traveled the state of Iowa the past decade or so, to put a (smaller and unique to their area) Freedom Rock in each county. There is now a Freedom Rock in every one of Iowa's 99 counties! Now, Bubba has started the 50 State Freedom Rock Tour and is now booking across the country.
Click to open in Google Maps.
We see individual Veterans on the Freedom Rock/s, what's their significance?
When Bubba started the tour he didn't want to do another typical, PC, Veterans memorial. You know, the list all five branches making sure not to single anyone out, memorials you see. Instead he wanted to illustrate specific Veterans and their stories, knowing full well that he would never be able to illustrate all of them, but not wanting to sacrifice the uniqueness at the expense of leaving some Veterans out. The Veterans on each rock are usually, in some way, tied to that county. Hopefully making it an interesting "Easter egg hunt" of history lessons as you travel the state.
Printable Freedom Rock Map
Printable list of all Iowa Freedom Rocks. Make plans to visit Sorensens Freedom Rocks throught the Great State of Iowa.
Preservation
Touching, climbing, and sitting on the Freedom Rock is discouraged, with the exception of the wooden benches. Although Freedom Rock appears secure, touching or climbing may damage the rock and its finish. Additionally, visitors may get hurt touching or climbing the Freedom Rock.
Hamilton County Freedom Rock.
(CLICK ON IMAGE)
