Tobias Boland and Benjamin Wright Statue, Worcester

The statue of Tobias Boland and Benjamin Wright stands prominently in Rockland Trust Plaza. This sculpture honors the pivotal role of the Blackstone Canal in the city's development. The canal, constructed in the early 1800s, was instrumental in transforming Worcester into a bustling hub of commerce and industry, linking it to Providence, Rhode Island, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Tobias Boland, an Irish immigrant, is celebrated for his significant contributions to the construction of the canal. Boland's work provided crucial labor and expertise, which helped shape the infrastructure of Worcester during a period of rapid growth and change. Benjamin Wright, the engineer who meticulously designed the canal's specifications, is equally honored in this statue. Wright's engineering expertise ensured that the canal could effectively support the economic ambitions of the region.

Positioned at the front of Rockland Trust Plaza, the statue created by sculptor Robert Shure, greets passersby as they traverse the plaza. This area serves as a gateway to Polar Park and forms a vital connection between the Canal District and Downtown Worcester.