LAKE WALES, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a new statue honoring President Calvin Coolidge at Bok Tower Gardens, commemorating his enduring legacy, his impact on the garden sanctuary, and America’s ongoing 250th anniversary celebration. The governor was joined by members and supporters of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, which champions Coolidge’s beliefs of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and civic virtue.
“Coolidge governed as a constitutionalist, eliminated debt, balanced the budget, reduced taxes, and promoted a unified American civic tradition and culture,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today, I unveiled a statue honoring President Calvin Coolidge, who dedicated Bok Tower Gardens on Lake Wales in one of his last public appearances as President. As America marks its 250th anniversary, I was proud to honor President Coolidge with this new statue.”
“President Coolidge believed that places like Bok Tower Gardens help people connect with beauty and reflect on what makes our country special,” said Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “As Florida leads the America 250 celebration, this statue honors President Coolidge’s faith in the strong character of the American people and the natural beauty that continues to inspire our state.”
“The state of Florida’s decision to showcase Coolidge and his values is an example for the nation,” said Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation Chair Amity Shlaes. “In these challenging times, the Coolidge values of thrift, respect for enterprise, and government restraint are more important than ever. Floridians, and all Americans across the land, will now come to Bok Tower Gardens to visit the statue and study Coolidge.”
Calvin Coolidge, known as “Silent Cal,” rose from humble beginnings in Vermont to become the 30th President of the United States. His leadership emphasized fiscal discipline, low taxes, and limited government, and these principles helped shape the economic expansion of the 1920s. After serving as vice president under Warren G. Harding, Coolidge assumed the presidency in 1923 following Harding’s death. The location of the statue carries special Florida historical significance.
In 1928, Bok Tower Gardens founder Edward Bok invited President Coolidge to participate in the dedication of the Singing Tower sanctuary. Coolidge accepted, traveling to Lake Wales to deliver the keynote address at the site, solidifying its place in both Florida and presidential history. The statue stands near the location where the president delivered the official dedication address for Bok Tower Gardens in February 1929—one of his final public appearances before leaving office.
About America 250 Florida
Today’s unveiling is part of Florida’s broader initiative to honor the individuals who shaped our nation over the past 250 years and to preserve America’s civic pride and heritage for future generations. Florida has led the way in establishing monuments to influential leaders, including statues of Founding Fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington, as well as more recent figures like Ronald Reagan and Frederick Douglass.
America 250 Florida marks the state’s official observance of America’s semiquincentennial and will host and help sponsor special events throughout the year for Floridians from all corners of the state to enjoy. Floridians can find information on events, exhibits, heritage sites, and participation opportunities at America250FL.com, the state’s official hub for the Semiquincentennial celebration.
