Ever wonder about that towering structure in the middle of Logan Square? That’s the Illinois Centennial Monument. Many Chicago locals often have no idea what it is. Today we will dive into the story behind this iconic monument.
The Illinois Centennial Monument celebrates Illinois’ 100th anniversary of statehood. It was built in 1918. The famed architect Henry Bacon designed it. Bacon is also known for designing the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. The Illinois Centennial Monument stands tall at 70 feet. It features a marble Doric column topped by an eagle. This echoes the eagle found on the Illinois state flag.
Look closely at the base. You will see reliefs depicting Native Americans. Explorers, farmers and laborers are also shown. These figures represent the significant changes Illinois experienced during its first century. Evelyn Beatrice Longman sculpted these detailed reliefs.
The Illinois Centennial Monument is cased in Tennessee marble. The column comprises 13 solid marble segments. It mirrors the proportions and scale of the Parthenon’s columns in Greece. This was meant to link Illinois’ statehood to the ideals of democracy. A flagpole and a concrete plaque honoring American soldiers stand nearby. These soldiers died in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
Benjamin Franklin Ferguson funded the Illinois Centennial Monument. He left money to the Art Institute of Chicago for public sculptures. His fund has supported about 20 sculptures in Chicago. Daniel Boone, Hiawatha, and Ceres are depicted in the base.
In 1997, the city planted 81 trees around the Illinois Centennial Monument. These trees include hackberry, green ash, and red oak. You’ll also find alpine currant and Virginia Rose bushes. Various hawthorns like downy and Washington add to the landscape.
The inscription on the north side of the base is quite interesting. It states that the Illinois Centennial Monument commemorates Illinois’ centenary. The inscription indicates that Illinois became a sovereign state in 1818. It also notes that the B. F. Ferguson Monument Fund erected it in 1918.
Henry Bacon, the architect, was born in Illinois. Evelyn Beatrice Longman was a groundbreaking artist. She was the first woman elected to the National Academy of Design in 1919. Her bas-reliefs show Agriculture, Transportation, Labor, and Fine Arts. Explorers like Pere Marquette, Robert de LaSalle, and William Clark are also featured. These details create a panorama of Illinois’ first 100 years. They also represent the state’s connection to freedom and democracy.
So, next time you pass by, remember the Illinois Centennial Monument. It is a symbol of Illinois’ rich history and progress. It is a reminder of the state’s first century and its enduring values.