Patriotism Sculpture

Did you know that this spot, home to the Patriotism Sculpture, almost hosted a different monument entirely? The Patriotism Sculpture, also known as the Heald Square Monument, wasn’t originally intended for this location. It was the brainchild of Barnet Hodes, a prominent Chicago lawyer, who in 1936 founded the Patriotic Foundation of Chicago to champion democratic values and unity, especially in the face of rising global tensions. The Patriotism Sculpture was Hodes’s vision brought to life. It features three key figures: George Washington, flanked by Robert Morris and Haym Salomon. These men, two Christians and a Jewish immigrant, symbolize the unity Hodes sought to promote. They represent the combined efforts of military leadership and financial backing that led to American independence. The sculpture itself is the work of Lorado Taft, a renowned sculptor with a passion for the American Revolution. Hodes, aware of the pervasive anti-Semitism of the time, urged Taft to design the sculpture in a way that protected the image of Salomon. Taft’s design is simple yet powerful: the three figures stand hand in hand, atop a stone base inscribed with their names and a quote from Washington denouncing bigotry. The reverse of the base features a plaque depicting Lady Liberty, welcoming those seeking refuge on American shores. The Patriotism Sculpture was dedicated on December 15, 1941, a significant date marking the 150th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. Ironically, this dedication occurred just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, thrusting the nation into another world war. The monument’s placement here, in Heald Square, adds another layer to its story. The square is named for Nathan Heald, an officer who commanded Fort Dearborn during the War of 1812. This area, once a military fort, now stands as Chicago’s financial district. The Patriotism Sculpture, standing tall amidst modern skyscrapers, serves as a timeless reminder of the ideals upon which the nation was founded.