Map the Miner
Height
9 metres
Year Built
1988
Address
Main Street, Kapunda, SA 5373
The Lowdown
Named Map Kernow, meaning 'son of Cornwall', Map the Miner is a 9-metre tall bronze statue honouring the Cornish miners who migrated to Kapunda to work in South Australia's copper mining industry during the 19th century. Created by sculptor Ben van Zetten, the statue was first unveiled on 5 June 1988 at the southern entrance to Kapunda. In a dramatic twist of fate, the original statue was destroyed by fire on 1 June 2006. The community rallied to rebuild this beloved landmark, and Map the Miner was resurrected and rededicated, continuing to stand as a powerful tribute to the region's rich mining heritage and the hardworking Cornish immigrants who shaped Kapunda's history.
Did you know?
"Named 'Map Kernow' meaning 'son of Cornwall' in Cornish"
History
The first Map the Miner was unveiled on 5 June 1988, created by sculptor Ben van Zetten to commemorate Kapunda's Cornish mining heritage. The town was established in 1842 after copper deposits were discovered, and many miners from Cornwall, England migrated to work in the mines. The name 'Map Kernow' translates to 'son of Cornwall' in Cornish. Tragically, on 1 June 2006, the statue was destroyed in a fire. Such was the community's attachment to this landmark that funds were raised to rebuild it. The reconstructed Map the Miner now stands proudly once again, continuing to tell the story of the Cornish immigrants who contributed to South Australia's mining boom.
More Fun Facts
- •Named 'Map Kernow' meaning 'son of Cornwall' in Cornish
- •Honours the Cornish miners who migrated to Kapunda in the 1840s
- •The original statue was destroyed by fire in 2006 but has been rebuilt
- •Kapunda was established in 1842 after copper was discovered
- •The statue stands 9 metres tall at the southern entrance to town
Visiting Tips
- 💡Located at the southern entrance to Kapunda on Main Street
- 💡Combine with a visit to the Kapunda Museum to learn more about mining history
- 💡The town has several other heritage sites worth exploring
- 💡Great photo opportunity, especially at sunrise or sunset
Opening Hours
Outdoor statue accessible at all times.
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