In 2015, our resident artist and sculptor, Chas Fagan, once again brought pride to our foundry, as well as our country, with his addition to Old Parkland in Dallas, Texas. Here, the history of our Nation is preserved and brought back to life for new generations to enjoy and understand.
“The American Experiment is intended to stimulate reflection on our nation’s heritage and serve as a reminder of its importance. The thoughtful placement of each piece is meant to entice and intrigue visitors. Visitors may stumble across an unfamiliar quote or an obscure piece of sculpture that invites them to reflect on the intent and look for deeper meaning.” , www.oldparkland.com.
Originally situated outside of Oak Lawn Hall, “Freedom’s Charge,” a 14-foot-tall original bronze sculpture by artist Chas Fagan, depicts two life-size figures of American Revolutionary soldiers. One soldier holds a rifle with his back to the flag, while the other holds a billowing flag. The soldier with his back to the flag is a Continental Soldier. He represents the “charge” or responsibility to protect Freedom. While the flag bearer is a Minuteman civilian militia member in motion showing the “charge” forward in battle empowered by the cause of Freedom.
The flag is not the standard American flag but rather the earlier Battle of Bunker Hill flag which was a blue field with a white canton that held a red St. George’s cross and a green pine “liberty” tree. Infused in the sculpted “ground” beneath the soldiers’ feet are symbols and historical details of the American Revolution for visitors to contemplate. In the ground is a wealth of historical tidbits.
Behind the Scenes from the Foundry
Underneath the Minuteman holding the flag you can see Paul Revere’s Lantern. Near the bottom of the base in front of the Minuteman is the Declaration of Independence.
Near the Continental soldier’s feet a corner of a wooden crate is peeking out. On it is the mark of the East India Trading Company referencing the Boston Tea Party. Between his feet near the ground an American Bald Eagle can be found. Behind the Eagle’s wing, an open pamphlet of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense can be seen. By his side, is a pressed leather cartridge bag with Liberty embossed on it. As a nod to Chas’s home in Charlotte, there’s also a hornet’s nest. That refers to British General Cornwallis’s description of the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area as a “hornet’s nest of rebellion.”
The construction of this piece was a massive undertaking. The flag alone called for our welders to exercise their best skills and techniques in order to provide strength of structure and execute the exact vision of the artist. The completion of this statue is a fine demonstration of collaboration between the sculptors’ mind, his attention to detail, and the talented craftsmen at Carolina Bronze Sculpture, Inc., that dedicate their time not only to excellent quality, but to the artists themselves.
Now in 2026, Freedom’s Charge has moved. In April, Freedom’s Charge was relocated to the White House Rose Garden in Washington DC.