Waterfront Park mystery: Abe Lincoln’s top hat has gone missing. Sculptor suspects theft

A Waterfront Park sculpture of Abraham Lincoln is missing its iconic top hat.

The bronze hat had been by Lincoln's side, resting on top of a rock, since 2009. Photos of the sculpture without the hat first appeared on social media Saturday.

A property theft report was filed with Louisville Metro Police, spokesperson Aaron Ellis said.

"The report will be reviewed and shared to LMPD’s First Division Detectives for them to begin their investigation," Ellis said in a statement.

Ed Hamilton, who sculpted Lincoln and the top hat, suspects the hat was stolen.

"It was anchored down into that monolith rock. I don't know what they could have used, maybe some more manpower or some crowbars. I guess they kept (trying) until they got it up," Hamilton said in an interview with the Courier Journal on Sunday.

Hamilton said there are security cameras in the park, but none were trained on Lincoln whenever the hat was removed from its usual position. Park officials are reviewing video recordings to see if they can spot any suspicious activity, he said.

Hamilton said he hopes the hat is returned to the park as soon as possible.

"Bring the hat back, because you can't wear it," he said.

The sculpture may need to be more sturdy from now on, Hamilton said.

"We just need to figure out how we can super anchor these things," he said. We thought (the hat) was anchored down well enough, that nobody would be able to get it up."

Anyone with information regarding the case can call LMPD's anonymous tip line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673) or utilize the online Crime Tip portal at LMPD Crime Tip Portal.

Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@courierjournal.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Abraham Lincoln top hat disappears from Waterfront Park sculpture