Black Hawk Statue: The Eternal Indian

Perched high above the Rock River in Lowden State Park, the Black Hawk Statue, or "The Eternal Indian," is a powerful and iconic monument. Created by sculptor Lorado Taft, the 48-foot tall concrete statue was dedicated in 1911 and has since become a symbol of the area's history and natural beauty.Taft began planning the statue in 1908, creating smaller models before embarking on the full-scale project. He was inspired by the Native American cultures and the beauty of the Rock River Valley, where he and other members of the Eagle's Nest Art Colony would often contemplate the landscape. The statue is not a likeness of Chief Black Hawk, but rather a representation of the "unconquerable spirit" of Native Americans. The statue incorporates motifs from various tribal cultures, including Sauk, Sioux, and Mohawk.The statue itself is hollow and reinforced with iron rods, with walls ranging from eight inches to three feet thick. The exterior is made of cement, pink granite chips, and screenings. A door at the base allows access to the interior for park employees. The statue stands approximately 125 feet above the Rock River due to its placement on a 77-foot bluff. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks in the surrounding park.