A one of a kind testament to the tragic wreckage of the "Dictator" and the heroic efforts of the community to rescue those who were stranded in the stormy seas, the Norwegian Lady Statue is none but the bronze replica of the original wooden figurehead that was washed ashore after the storm had passed.<
The "Dictator" was a Norwegian ship set out for the English shores from Florida, when it was struck by the devastating storm. Despite the best efforts of the lifesaving service, nine lives were lost that fateful night to the sea. The wooden figurehead was found by a guest of the Princess Anne hotel and was then placed on the boardwalk facing the sea, in memory of the wreckage. The figurehead was brutally ravaged by time and weather after which, it was placed in a city owned building for safekeeping. However, it was misplaced in the coming years which then led to funds being raised to erect two bronze statues in the likeliness of the original figurehead. These were named the Norwegian Lady statues, one of which was gifted to Virginia Beach, while the other found a home in the Norwegian city of Moss.
Today, visitors can view this outstanding sculpture at Virginia Beach, who gazes into the horizon at her replica in Moss. Over time, this statue has become an irreplaceable part of the city, and no visit to Virginia Beach is complete without a glimpse of the historic Norwegian Lady.
