These bronze bison. They’ve seen it all. They silently stand guard at Humboldt Park’s entrance. Their story is one of grandeur a journey across time.
The World’s Fair Bison weren’t always here. They first appeared in 1893. They were part of Chicago’s grand World’s Columbian Exposition. Artist Edward Kemeys created them. He used a temporary material called staff. Think plaster and plant fibers. The massive bison stood proudly before the Stock Exhibit.
These weren’t the only animals at the fair. Think massive bears moose elk mountain lions. Kemeys and Alexander Phimister Proctor specialized in wildlife sculptures. They spent time in the West observing animals. This attention to detail made their work realistic. Kemeys also sculpted the famous lions in front of the Art Institute.
Years passed. In 1909 landscape architect Jens Jensen used smaller plaster versions. He displayed them in Garfield Park. He felt war monuments didn’t fit a natural park setting. He had a limited budget so he borrowed pieces. A pair of Bulls with Maidens sculptures were displayed in Humboldt Park.
A surprising swap occurred in 1915. The bison moved to Humboldt Park. The bulls moved to Garfield Park. No one knows why. There’s no record of the decision. The bison now face inward. This was intentional. Jensen wanted visitors to admire them from inside the garden.
The bison have names. The male is Prairie King. He gazes ahead. The female is Sound of the Whoop. Her head is lowered. She seems to be grazing or listening. They stand near Prairie Style lanterns. These match the ones at the nearby boathouse.
The bison’s history highlights a fascinating chapter in Chicago’s past. They represent more than just art. They’re symbols of the city’s evolution. They stand as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit. So take a moment to appreciate these magnificent beasts. Let their presence enrich your experience of Humboldt Park.