Illinois Centennial Monument: A Symbol of Statehood

The Illinois Centennial Monument, erected in 1918, stands as a proud symbol of Illinois' first century as a state. Located in the heart of Logan Square Park, at the intersection of Logan Boulevard and Milwaukee Avenue, the monument serves as a visual reminder of the state's rich history and cultural evolution. Designed by Henry Bacon, famed architect of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the monument is a 70-foot (21 m) tall marble Doric column. Atop the column sits an eagle, a direct reference to the Flag of Illinois. The monument's base features relief sculptures designed by Evelyn Beatrice Longman, depicting figures of Native Americans, explorers, farmers, and laborers, representing the significant changes Illinois experienced during its initial century. These figures include Daniel Boone, Hiawatha, and Ceres. The column itself is constructed from thirteen solid marble segments, exhibiting the same proportions and scale as the columns of the Parthenon in Greece. In 1997, the Chicago Department of Transportation enhanced the monument's surroundings by planting 81 trees, including various species of ash, oak, and hawthorns. The Illinois Centennial Monument is more than just a historical marker; it's a focal point for the Logan Square community. It also marks the start of the Logan Square Arts Festival.