Karel Havlíček Monument

Clutching his cape, Karel Havlíček stands tall at the Karel Havlíček Monument. He seems to be delivering an impassioned speech. This bronze figure, located on Chicago’s Museum Campus, embodies the spirit of a man who dedicated his life to advocating for Czech national rights. The Karel Havlíček Monument has had a fascinating journey. It was originally dedicated in 1911 in Douglas Park by Bohemian Americans. The Karel Havlíček Monument Association spent years raising funds for this tribute to their esteemed countryman. They commissioned Josef Strachovsky, a Prague-based sculptor who had created a similar monument to Havlíček in 1907. The original dedication was a grand affair. There was a parade with elaborate floats, followed by a procession of people in traditional Bohemian attire. Governor Charles S. Deneen and Mayor Carter Harrison II unveiled the monument. Havlíček, the writer, poet, critic, politician, and publisher, is considered a martyr. He died shortly after an unjust arrest and four years of exile. He championed constitutional reform and national rights, making him a key figure in the Czech National Revival. The inscription on the monument’s wall reads: “In him Bohemia lost one of her best sons, a fearless defender of her rights and liberties, a man of sterling character. For which life sacrificed, his life!” Sadly, the monument in Douglas Park was frequently vandalized. In the 1970s, communities with large Bohemian and Slovak populations suggested moving it to the suburbs. However, the Chicago Park District, along with the Czechoslovak Society of America, felt it should remain in Chicago. The Karel Havlíček Monument found its new home on Solidarity Drive in 1983. It stands near other significant monuments, including those dedicated to Kosciusko and Copernicus. Unfortunately, parts of the original granite setting were removed to accommodate the monument in its new location. So, as you stand before the Karel Havlíček Monument, remember the tumultuous journey of this powerful symbol of Czech patriotism. It serves as a reminder of Havlíček’s unwavering dedication to his people and his enduring legacy.