Miraculous Salt Stain Virgin Mary Destroyed


Tourism News

The Virgin Mary that appeared under an expressway in Chicago is gone. Victor Gonzalez has been charged with defacing the apparition by painting the words "Big Lie" over the miraculous Mary, an image believed by some to be created by highway salt runoff staining the concrete. The Illinois Department of Transportation completed the destruction Gonzalez started by painting over the entire area. Apparently the vandalism changed the stain's official maintenance status from "roadside memorial" to "grafitti." The uninspired brown blob doesn't resemble anyone. Salt Stain Mary had been visited by thousands since she first appeared. [Thanks to Robot Greg for the tip] [05/06/2005]

Salt Stain Virgin Mary

Address:
Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL
Directions:
Fullerton Ave., underneath the Kennedy Expy/I-90. The stain is under the northeast side of the bridge; floral offerings may be visible.

Add to My Sights | Show My Sights

February 10, 2012

My Sights

Map and Plan Your Own Roadside Adventure

Try My Sights

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Wapakoneta, Ohio (Feb 6-12, 2012)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

sightings. Arrives without warning. Leaves no burn marks. A free newsletter from RoadsideAmerica.com. Subscribe now!
RoadsideAmerica.com Hotel & Motel Finder

Special online rates for hotels & motels.

Book Online Now