Ellison Tarzan Brown statue unveiled in Westerly

WESTERLY, R.I. — A statue honoring legendary two-time Boston Marathon champion and Narragansett Native American Ellison “Tarzan” Brown has officially crossed the finish line.

The life-size bronze statue now stands proudly in Rooney Park in Westerly, recognizing one of Rhode Island’s greatest athletes and the man whose unforgettable victory inspired the name “Heartbreak Hill” at the Boston Marathon.

The project was funded through nearly $70,000 in donations from close to 300 supporters, including local runners, businesses, community organizations, and members of Brown’s family. We had the chance to visit the statue last week, and it’s a beautiful tribute to a Rhode Island legend whose remarkable story is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.