Statue of Alexander von Humboldt (Chicago) facts for kids
Alexander von Humboldt statue (2014)
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| Location | Humboldt Park, Chicago, Illinois, United States |
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| Designer | Felix Görling H.C. Hoffman & Co. (pedestal) |
| Builder | Gladenbeck foundry H.C. Hoffman & Co. (pedestal) |
| Material | Bronze Granite (pedestal) |
| Height | 10 feet (3.0 m) |
| Dedicated to | Alexander von Humboldt |
The Alexander von Humboldt statue is a large statue located in Humboldt Park, Chicago, Illinois. This park is a big green space in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. The statue shows Alexander von Humboldt, a famous German scientist and explorer. The park is named after him. This statue was officially revealed in 1892.
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Why is Humboldt Park Named After Alexander von Humboldt?
The park and the area around it are named after Alexander von Humboldt. He was a very smart person from Prussia (now part of Germany). He knew a lot about many different subjects, like science and exploration.
Humboldt's Journeys and Chicago's Connection
Humboldt traveled a lot in North and South America in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Even though he never visited Chicago, the park was named after him in 1869.
How German Americans Influenced the Name
The name was chosen because of "ethnic politics." Many German Americans lived in the neighborhood. They were a growing group of voters in Chicago's politics. Naming the park after Humboldt was a way to honor this important community.
Who Paid for the Statue?
A German-born brewer named Francis Dewes paid for the statue. A brewer makes beer. Francis Dewes is also known for building the Francis J. Dewes House in Chicago.
When Was the Statue Unveiled?
The statue was officially revealed on October 16, 1892. About 20,000 people came to watch the ceremony. Speeches were given in English, German, and Swedish.
Who Made the Statue?
The bronze part of the statue, which shows Humboldt, was made by a German sculptor named Felix Görling. It was cast, or shaped, at the Gladenbeck foundry in Berlin.
The Pedestal's Design and Materials
The base of the statue, called the pedestal, was designed by H.C. Hoffman & Co. This company was based in Chicago. They used granite stone from Freeport, Maine to build it.
Important People at the Ceremony
Several important people spoke at the unveiling. These included Hempstead Washburne, who was the Mayor of Chicago, and Albion Woodbury Small, a professor from the University of Chicago.
Other Humboldt Statues in the U.S.
This statue in Chicago is one of several statues of Humboldt in the United States. Other statues can be found in Philadelphia, St. Louis, and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.
What Does the Statue Look Like?
The monument has a bronze sculpture of Humboldt on top of a granite pedestal. The whole statue is about 10 feet (3.0 m) tall.
Humboldt's Pose and Details
Humboldt is shown as if he is giving a talk. He holds a flower in his right hand, which is raised. A book rests in his left hand, which is on a tree stump. Near his feet, you can see a globe and other small items. These items represent the different science fields Humboldt studied.
