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Heald Square Monument: A Tribute to American Revolution Financiers

A bronze tribute to George Washington, Robert Morris, and Haym Salomon, honoring their vital roles in the American Revolution in Chicago's Loop.

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The Heald Square Monument, located in Chicago's Michigan-Wacker Historic District, is a bronze sculpture honoring General George Washington and the Revolution's principal financiers, Robert Morris and Haym Salomon. Created by Lorado Taft and completed by Leonard Crunelle, it stands as a symbol of patriotic unity and tolerance.

A brief summary to Heald Square Monument

Local tips

  • Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk for scenic views of the monument and the surrounding architecture.
  • Visit during the day to fully appreciate the details of the bronze sculpture and the inscriptions on the base.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Michigan Avenue, just a block away, to explore Chicago's Magnificent Mile.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Heald Square Monument is located at Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue. From the Michigan Avenue Bridge, walk south on Michigan Avenue, then turn west onto Wacker Drive. The monument will be on your right, in Heald Square. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Several CTA bus routes serve the area near Heald Square. Check the CTA website or app for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes. The closest 'L' train stations are State/Lake and Clark/Lake. From either station, walk east towards Wacker Drive and the Chicago River. A single ride on CTA bus or 'L' train is $2.25 or $2.50 respectively. You can pay with a Ventra card or contactless payment.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout downtown Chicago. A short taxi ride from a nearby location, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, to Heald Square will likely cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic. Be sure the driver resets the taximeter before starting the journey. Ride-sharing services may have variable pricing based on demand.

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Discover more about Heald Square Monument

The Heald Square Monument stands proudly in Heald Square, within Chicago's vibrant Loop community area. This bronze sculpture group, a Chicago Landmark since 1971, commemorates General George Washington alongside Robert Morris and Haym Salomon, the two primary financiers of the American Revolution. The monument's history dates back to the 1930s when Chicago civic leaders sought to honor these pivotal figures. Sculptor Lorado Taft began the design, depicting Morris and Salomon standing hand-in-hand with Washington. Following Taft's death in 1936, his associates Leonard Crunelle, Nellie Walker, and Fred Torrey completed the work. The monument was dedicated on December 15, 1941, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. The attack on Pearl Harbor just a week before added further significance to the event. Heald Square itself is named after Captain Nathan Heald, who commanded Fort Dearborn from 1810 to 1812. The monument features an inscription with a quote from George Washington, emphasizing the importance of citizens supporting their government. A bronze plaque on the back of the granite base displays a seated Statue of Liberty. The monument serves as a reminder of the collaboration between civilians and soldiers that was crucial to the birth of the United States.

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