The iconic mural of Bladen County native, Astronaut Curtis Brown, Jr., displayed on the west side of Broad Street, facing Martin Luther King Drive in downtown Elizabethtown is receiving a long-awaited makeover.

Work has started on the historic mural by Image Design, according to Town of Elizabethtown Manager, Eddie Madden. The contract for about $15,000 was signed two months ago for the mural project, but the weather has affected the progress.

The wall has now been pressure washed, and yesterday new paint was spotted on the Astronaut’s helmet and coat features.

Mayor Sylvia Campbell said, “I’m so excited about it. It took a while to get the project going, but we are thankful to get the wall restored.”

The wall is a salute from Bladen County to Lt. Col. Curtis L. Brown, Jr.
Col. Brown is an East Bladen High School graduate. He flew six shuttle missions, spent a total of 57 days in space, and has been inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Last year, Col. Brown visited Elizabethtown, where he was the keynote speaker and helped cut the ribbon at the newly constructed airport terminal building. He also paid a visit to Bladen County students.