Watch CBS News

Wind Topples Ben Franklin Statue On Boston's Freedom Trail

BOSTON (AP) — When Ben Franklin famously flew a kite in a lightning storm, he made history, but a wind storm over the weekend proved too much.

The Boston Globe reports an 1856 bronze statue of Franklin positioned along the city's Freedom Trail toppled over after a particularly blustery Sunday.

A city spokeswoman says high winds pushed a nearby tent into the statue, causing it to fall off its pedestal.

She says the Boston Arts Commission is working with a professional curator on the repair plan.

Crews were seen placing the statue into what looked like a body bag on Monday.

The Freedom Trail Foundation website says the statue marks the location of the original Boston Latin School, where Franklin was a student. It's the oldest public school in the nation.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.