Kennison, a name whispered with reverence and amusement. Let’s uncover the curious tale of David Kennison right here in Lincoln Park. David Kennison arrived in Chicago in the 1840s. He was already an older gentleman, a veteran of the War of 1812. Kennison quickly became a local legend. He captivated the city with his incredible claim to be the last survivor of the Boston Tea Party and a Revolutionary War veteran. The David Kennison monument stands as a testament to this captivating story. It was erected in 1903 by Chicagoans who remembered Kennison and his tales.
Kennison’s stories resonated with the people of Chicago. They embraced him as a living link to the nation’s founding. He enthralled audiences with vivid accounts of dumping tea into Boston Harbor. He even displayed a vial of tea leaves as proof. Chicagoans believed his every word. Upon his death in 1852, Chicago mourned the loss of a national hero. They honored him with a grand funeral, reportedly the largest the city had ever seen. He was laid to rest here in Lincoln Park.
The David Kennison monument, placed at his gravesite in 1903, solidified his legacy. The inscription declares him “The last survivor of the Boston Tea Party.” This statement further cemented the legend. However, historical research later revealed that Kennison’s claims were false. He was not at the Boston Tea Party. He was considerably younger than he claimed. Despite this revelation, the monument remains. It’s a tribute to a man who charmed Chicago with his fabricated history.
The David Kennison story reminds us of the power of storytelling. It highlights the human desire to connect with the past, even if that connection is based on embellishment. Kennison’s tale is a quirky and fascinating chapter in Chicago’s history. So, the next time you visit Lincoln Park, take a moment to appreciate the David Kennison monument. Remember the man who, for a time, convinced Chicago he was a Revolutionary War hero and the last survivor of the Boston Tea Party. His story continues to intrigue and entertain us, even today.