A cryptocurrency investor based in Denver has revealed intentions to construct a monumental 450-foot bronze statue of the Greek god Prometheus on Alcatraz Island. If realized, this statue would overshadow even the Statue of Liberty in San Francisco Bay.
The initiative is being led by Ross Calvin, the founder of the Bitcoin mining firm Perhelion, through his nonprofit group, the American Colossus Foundation. This organization aims to foster “a cultural renaissance of civilized power through creativity, self-sovereignty, and future thinking.”
The envisioned statue will be so immense that its head would nearly surpass the height of the Golden Gate Bridge, positioning it as San Francisco’s counterpart to the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.
Initial news about Calvin’s project surfaced through reports by Bloomberg News.
Titled “The Colossus of Prometheus on Alcatraz,” the project is estimated to cost around $450 million and will also feature a technology museum on the island.
In Greek mythology, Prometheus is recognized as the Titan who brought fire to humans, embodying innovation and progress. Calvin describes the statue as a tribute to America’s unique destiny, celebrating the liberating influence of technology and entrepreneurship.
On the foundation’s website, Calvin articulated that the monument stands as a tribute to creativity and humanity’s heroic spirit, heralding a forthcoming Golden Age.
The project would necessitate federal approval to change the designation of Alcatraz Island from a national park to a national monument.
Calvin plans to showcase renderings and a formal proposal to former President Trump’s team by the end of January. Reflecting on his childhood visit to Alcatraz, he mentioned the island as an ideal site for a symbol of triumph and beauty.
Once completed, the statue will exceed the height of the Statue of Liberty by about 150 feet, as the latter measures approximately 305 feet from its base to the top of the torch.
Historically, Alcatraz Island was known as a notorious federal prison, housing infamous criminals like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, before its closure in 1963. It started as a military fort before becoming a prison famous for its failed escape attempts.
This island has also been the backdrop for various Hollywood films, such as “The Rock” featuring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage, and the classic “Escape from Alcatraz” with Clint Eastwood.
Amid these developments, former President Trump has expressed interest in reopening Alcatraz as a high-security facility for individuals he deems violent criminals and illegal immigrants. This plan, estimated to cost over $2 billion, is currently facing technical reviews and site assessments by federal officials, though it encounters legal and logistical challenges due to the island’s historical protections.
While critics question the feasibility and political motivations behind the plan, the administration appears committed to evaluating its viability.
