Drexel Fountain Statue

Amidst the gentle splash of water, the Drexel Fountain stands as a testament to a father’s legacy. The Drexel Fountain, a gift to the city in 1881, honors Francis M. Drexel, a Philadelphia banker and real estate speculator. His sons, Francis A. and Anthony J. Drexel, commissioned this elaborate bronze and granite monument. They sought to commemorate their father’s contribution to Chicago’s South Side growth. Drexel had donated property he purchased in the 1840s to be developed as a street. This act spurred the area’s early development. The fountain’s location, near Drexel Boulevard, further cemented this connection. The boulevard, a former pleasure drive east of Washington Park, had recently been renamed in his honor. The Drexel brothers spared no expense. They commissioned Henry Manger, a German immigrant sculptor, to create the $40,000 masterpiece. The fountain’s design is rich with detail. Atop the structure, a figurative sculpture of Francis M. Drexel looks out over the park. Below, a four-sided bronze pedestal features intricate bas-relief panels. These panels depict scenes like Neptune riding a dolphin and a harvest goddess gathering grain. The Drexel brothers’ generosity didn’t end there. In 1888, they invested an additional $5,000 to enhance the fountain. This included adding jets to allow for a continuous flow of water, adding to its charm. The Drexel Fountain has endured the test of time. It has seen periods of disrepair, but it has always been restored to its former glory. Restorations took place in 1975 and the early 2000s, ensuring the fountain’s continued presence in the city. The Drexel Fountain isn’t just a beautiful piece of art. It’s the oldest existing public sculpture in Chicago’s parks, a tangible link to the city’s past and a symbol of a family’s enduring love.