New Lexington, KY Monument to Freedom has Strong Ties to Atlanta

A new monument to freedom in Lexington, Ky. has a strong Atlanta connection. “Towards Freedom”, a magnificent bronze sculpture created by Atlanta-based artist Basil Watson, was unveiled on Juneteenth (June 19), 2025 on the campus of the Lexington Traditional Magnet School. The site will be transformed into a public plaza by Atlanta-based TSW’s landscape architecture studio, with TSW Lexington’s director, Certified Planner Samantha Castro, leading the landscape design effort. TSW worked with the artist and nonprofit committee, Lexington Freedom Train, to help locate the statue and develop an initial concept for the surrounding plaza. When completed, the park and statue will tell the story of Lewis and Harriet Hayden, two formerly enslaved Lexington residents who escaped their enslavement and became nationally recognized abolitionists. In addition to Watson, TSW’s Castro and Bryan Bays, TSW Landscape Architecture Practice Leader, were on hand for the official unveiling, along with numerous dignitaries including Kentucky Governor Andy Bashear, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, business leaders, nonprofit officials and Lexington citizens. www.tsw-design.com, www.basilsculpture.com, www.lexfreedomtrain.org/theproject