Built to celebrate the 100th year of the merging of the state of Illinois with the Union, the Illinois Centennial Monument is an iconic column, located in the prominent Logan Square neighborhood of the city. The Doric style of architecture is the mastermind of Henry Bacon, the man who designed other iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial. The reliefs around the base of the column, designed and sculpted by Evelyn Beatrice Longman, denote scenes from the State’s early history; and the eagle at the top is the State’s, and the country’s, symbol, thus completing the symbolism of a merger. The monument also is the venue for cultural events, like the Boulevard Bash. Do pay a visit to this marvel of architectural and historic significance.
The privilege of designing this building was awarded to the winners of a design competition held by the Chicago Tribune itself. The firm of Hood and Howell won, and in 1922 they erected this looming tower to house the publication. It looks out over the river and into the growing boom of Michigan Avenue. Most people overlook the stones embedded around the lower walls on all sides of the tower. The stones were collected from around the world, from the Alamo to Chartes Cathedral.
