Is that a miniature Statue of Liberty? You might be surprised to find a smaller version of this iconic landmark right here in Chicago. This isn’t the one you’d normally picture, towering over New York Harbor. This Statue of Liberty is a 24-foot-tall gilded bronze beauty residing in Jackson Park. She’s a replica of a much larger statue, a 65-foot-tall marvel that graced the Chicago World’s Fair back in 1893. Sadly, that version, crafted from temporary materials, met its demise in a fire just a few years later. But fear not, Chicago wouldn’t let the spirit of Liberty fade. In 1918, the city commissioned a new Statue of Liberty, the very one we see today. It was a tribute to the 25th anniversary of that grand World’s Fair and a nod to Illinois’ centennial of statehood. Look closely, and you’ll notice her right hand clutching a globe, an eagle perched atop, wings spread wide. In her left hand, she holds a staff adorned with a plaque proclaiming “liberty.” This Golden Lady, as locals affectionately call her, stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of freedom.
Private Florian S. Jacolik Plaque
The Private Florian S. Jacolik Plaque stands in a small park, a quiet oasis in the bustling city of Chicago.