Wow Look at this magnificent Brachiosaurus. It’s a giant isn’t it? This isn’t just any dinosaur statue. This impressive Brachiosaurus replica stands proudly outside the Field Museum of Natural History. It’s a cast of a dinosaur discovered by Elmer S Riggs. Riggs led a team to Colorado’s Morrison Formation in 1900. They found a huge bone. It was a new species. Bigger than Brontosaurus. Riggs named it Brachiosaurus altithorax.
The original Brachiosaurus skeleton was unveiled at the Field Museum in 1993. It was a sensation. The skeleton was 72 feet tall. It stood in Stanley Field Hall. In 1997 it moved to O’Hare International Airport. It’s still there today.
But our Brachiosaurus here is special. It’s an all-weather cast. It was created in 1999. The Field Museum placed it on its northwest terrace. It became famous. It wore jerseys of Chicago sports teams. Blackhawks Cubs and Bears jerseys graced its frame. The statue even earned the nickname “Ernestine”. Sadly in 2022 the statue was disassembled. It suffered severe damage cracking and rust.
This Brachiosaurus is a part of Chicago’s story. A symbol of the city’s love for dinosaurs and sports. It’s a reminder of the city’s rich history. It brought joy and wonder to countless visitors. This Brachiosaurus remains iconic. Even in its absence its legacy lives on.