Jón Sigurðsson statue

Though a small country compared to others, Iceland has no shortage of important names in its history—and here’s one of the most important. Jón Sigurðsson was a 19th-century historian and politician, but calling him just that wouldn’t do him justice. After studying in Denmark and marrying his cousin, Sigurðsson made a grand entrance to Iceland as a member of Parliament. At the same time, he also worked as an editor of the New Society Journal, where he used his platform to voice a bold vision for an independent Iceland. These first steps led to a lifelong fight. To push his cause forward, he crossed the Atlantic 29 times on mailboats and cargo ships to plead the Danish government directly. At the time, Iceland had been under Danish rule since 1397. His relentless efforts finally led to change—but sadly not during his lifetime. In 1874, Iceland was granted a limited constitution. By 1918, it achieved sovereignty. Then in 1944, it finally gained full independence. To honour this historic moment, Iceland chose the 17th of June —Jón Sigurðsson’s birthday—as its national day. A fitting tribute to a man whose vision shaped a nation, now immortalized in bronze.