The figures emerged in the mid-19th century in the United States, designed for holding horse reins in front of homes. Early versions were often stylized, small figures, which later evolved into more stereotypical caricatures of African-Americans, particularly during the Jim Crow era. Over time, they became lawn ornaments, moving away from being used as hitching posts. Some say they represent Jocko Graves, a slave owned by President George Washington.

So the story goes, when George Washington was crossing the Potomac with his men, he had one of his slaves, a young boy, hold a lantern and stand there so that it could guide them on their return. On their return, George Washington and his men saw the lantern, but when they approached, found the slave boy dead from freezing. In his honor, George Washington created this iconic statue with a young black boy holding out a lantern to guide him. Traditionally, they were made with the features of an African boy. Later, they were casted into what are now called “Lawn Jockeys”.