Only the third statue of a real woman in Wales is a statue of the poet Cranogwen.
As part of a campaign to recognize women's contributions in Wales, the image was unveiled on Saturday in Llangrannog, Ceredigion.
The goal of Monumental Welsh Women is to erect five effigies of Welsh women over the course of five years.
The first woman to receive a poetry award at the National Eisteddfod was Cranogwen, the author's bardic name.
She pushed the boundaries of what was expected of women in the Victorian era as a pioneer in many fields.
She was born Sarah Jane Rees in Llangrannog in 1839, and in addition to becoming one of Wales' most well-known poets, she also worked as a head teacher, a ship's captain, a campaigner, and a journalist.
As the first female editor of the Welsh-language women's magazine "Y Frythones," she used the publication to support female talent and give women a voice.
To pay for the sculpture, more than £75,000 was raised.
The founder of Monumental Welsh Women, Helen Molyneux, stated: "This permanent memorial of Cranogwen will stand in the center of her beloved community of Llangrannog, and will serve as both commemoration of a remarkable, brave, and pioneering woman and her many ground-breaking achievements and as inspiration to all of us who came after her. ".
Sebastien Boyesen, the statue's sculptor, described it as "a long journey.".
He added, "I looked at it this morning and I am quite happy," before expressing his hope that people would like it. To be able to do this work has been a true honor. ".
Other statues include those of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher, in Cardiff, and of author Elaine Morgan in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Elin Jones, a member of the Senedd and the Sculpture steering committee, noted that she achieved locally, nationally, and internationally "when it was not acceptable for women to do such things.".
The community choir sang during a procession from the Gwersyll to the village to commemorate the unveiling, which was led by Owerin dancers.
A discussion about Cranogwen's life and accomplishments was also held.
