Jefferson County Artist Creates New Alexander Hamilton Statue

Sculptor Bradley Cooley's work unveiled in Hamilton County, Florida

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:48pm

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Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a new statue honoring Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton County, Florida. The sculptor, Bradley Cooley, is a native of nearby Jefferson County and has created several other historical statues across the state, including ones for Florida A&M University and Florida State University.

Why it matters

The new Alexander Hamilton statue is part of a broader effort by the state to commemorate key figures from American history, with plans also in the works for a statue of James Madison in Madison County. Cooley's work highlights the artistic talent found in Florida's rural communities and the role local artists can play in preserving the state's historical legacy.

The details

Cooley, a lifelong sculptor, said the Alexander Hamilton statue took nearly a year to complete, requiring extensive research to ensure historical accuracy in the figure's appearance and attire. In addition to the Hamilton statue, Cooley is responsible for creating the Rattler statue at FAMU and the Seminole Family statue at Florida State University.

  • The new Alexander Hamilton statue was unveiled by Governor Ron DeSantis on March 11, 2026.
  • Cooley said the statue took nearly a year to complete.

The players

Bradley Cooley

A sculptor from Jefferson County, Florida who has created several historical statues across the state, including the new Alexander Hamilton statue.

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who unveiled the new Alexander Hamilton statue in Hamilton County.

Alexander Hamilton

The American Founding Father and first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, whom the new statue in Hamilton County honors.

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What they’re saying

“Being a historian myself and putting bronze sculptures everywhere all over the country, and getting to put a piece here, local, fairly local, for me is great. So, it's been a real treasure.”

— Bradley Cooley, Sculptor (WCTV)

“Especially doing a portrait. It takes a lot of time and a lot of research and a lot of research done up front before you can even start the piece to make sure you can get it historically correct as far as your buttons, any type of regalia somebody might be wearing.”

— Bradley Cooley, Sculptor (WCTV)

“My first piece was Julius Caesar, commissioned by a gentleman that was a school teacher.”

— Bradley Cooley, Sculptor (WCTV)

“Real humbled for sure anytime something like that, just to be involved with 250 year anniversary of this country. Good stuff. Really good. It's been great.”

— Bradley Cooley, Sculptor (WCTV)

What’s next

Governor DeSantis also announced that a statue for James Madison is in the works to be placed in Madison County.

The takeaway

Cooley's work on the Alexander Hamilton statue highlights the artistic talent found in Florida's rural communities and the important role local artists can play in preserving the state's historical legacy through public sculptures and monuments.