Eagle Columns Sculpture

Amidst the bustling city, the Eagle Columns Sculpture stands proudly. The Eagle Columns Sculpture, a striking contemporary piece, is located at the intersection of Wrightwood and Sheffield Avenues. These abstract eagles appear to ascend from bronze pylons, reaching for the sky. They commemorate two prominent figures in Illinois history: John Peter Altgeld and Vachel Lindsay. Altgeld, a governor in the late 19th century, made a courageous decision that effectively ended his career. He pardoned three men convicted in the Haymarket Riot of 1886, believing they were unfairly judged. This act brought him immense criticism, even after his death. Years later, in 1913, Vachel Lindsay, a poet, published “The Eagle that is Forgotten”. This poem honored Altgeld’s bravery and sparked a reevaluation of his legacy. The Eagle Columns Sculpture, created by Chicago-born artist Richard Hunt, was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and local residents. Hunt, who lives and works near the sculpture’s location, believes in the power of public art to connect with the community. The sculpture’s deteriorated state prompted the Wrightwood Neighbors Association to collaborate with the Chicago Park District on its restoration. In 2010, the Eagle Columns Sculpture was rededicated, standing as a testament to the enduring power of art and remembrance.