George Washington Statue returns home to Milwaukee

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Updated: 5:00 p.m. January 11, 2018

UPDATE: MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- George Washington is back on Wisconsin Avenue and he hasn't looked this good in years. 

The bronze statue of America's first president was returned to its pedestal near the downtown library on Thursday, about a  year and a half after it was shipped to Illinois for renovation.

The statue was a gift to the city in 1885 and after more than a century, it was showing its age.

Mayor Tom Barrett was beaming as the statue, looking good as new, was lifted into place.

"I think in many ways Wisconsin Avenue remains Wisconsin's main street. This is a very heavily traveled street, it's a glorious street. And it deserves to have the first president of the United States because it's really the first major main street in our community," said Mayor Barrett.

Milwaukee's Westown Association is trying to raise money to restore two other statues on the so-called "Court of Honor" downtown.

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A historic Milwaukee statue is headed home! CBS 58 News was the only local station to get a sneak peek at the return of the sculpture of George Washington.

The bronze statue was presented to the city in 1885 and became Milwaukee's first ever public monument.

It was removed from its pedestal near West Wisconsin Avenue over a year ago and taken to an Illinois studio for restoration. More than 1,000 pounds of material were removed from inside the statue that was causing it to crack.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will formally welcome the statue home on Thursday morning.

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