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Elwood, Illinois: Ammo Plant Dead Statue

An explosion at an ammo plant on this site on June 5, 1942, killed 42 workers, who are memorialized by a bronze man carrying a lunch box. Six workers killed in a 1945 explosion are also remembered.

Midewin Iron Bridge Trailhead

Address:
60421 IL-53, Elwood, IL
Directions:
Midewin Iron Bridge Trailhead. On the east side of IL-53, either two miles south of Elwood or 5.5 miles north of Wilmington. Turn onto the unmarked entrance road to the Trailhead, park in the lot, then follow the posted map to the wayside, at the intersection of the west Group 63 loop trail and the Group 63 spur. The statue is there.
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Visitor Tips and News About Ammo Plant Dead Statue

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Ammo Plant Dead Statue

Unfortunately the statue is now gone. I noticed its absence about six months ago, thinking it might be out for maintenance. But sadly it has not returned. I have no knowledge of the story of its disappearance, but curious if others know?

[Sara Moscato Howe, 06/17/2023]

The statue was moved in June 2022 to its current off-the-road spot, which is about a mile south of its former cemetery location.

Ammo Plant Explosion memorial.

Ammo Plant Dead Statue

The statue is to the far right when you drive into Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. To visit it, go down the main entrance street (Hoff Road) -- you will see it in the distance on your right, but you can't park on Hoff. Instead, pass the statue and take the first right you can. You'll see a sign for maintenance vehicles to take that road. Park along that road and walk to the statue. It took us less than 2 minutes to walk from the car to the statue. It is not hidden but it's not in an obvious spot, as the rest of the cemetery and tombstones are farther back.

If you visit a grave, leave a penny to signify you were there. And if you don't have anyone to visit at the cemetery, say hello to my father, John A. Moscato, U.S. Army veteran, buried in Section 19, Grave 1052.

[Sara Moscato Howe, 08/20/2021]

Ammo Plant Worker statue.

Ammo Plant Dead Statue

I was in the area so I thought I would look for the "Ammo Plant Dead Statue" in Elwood Illinois. That statue, which looks like a guy in a WWII uniform carrying a lunch box, is no longer on Diagonal Road. The statue has been moved, not far away, to the intersection of W. Hoff Road and Abraham Lincoln Blvd. The statue is located across the street from the entrance to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

[Gary, 04/27/2008]
Lunch Box Man Returns

A statue of a male ammo plant worker holding a lunch box, stolen in July 2005 in Elwood, Illinois, was replaced with a new statue in late October 2006.

...

[11/04/2006] Complete News Story


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In the region:
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