Father Marquette monument.

Father Marquette with Swastikas

This large, upright, neoclassical monument, probably ten feet high and blocky, is completely out of place. It was originally a decorative part of a bridge, but when that bridge was torn down and replaced by one without decorations, the monument was moved just north of its former spot. Now it stands on a battered sidewalk, and is surrounded by a run-down industrial neighborhood.

The monument honors Father Jacques Marquette, the first European to live in Chicago. It has a bronze relief plaque of Marquette meeting an Indian, and another plaque with text praising Father Marquette. This one bookends his name with swastikas, and additional swastikas are on the back of the monument. It was erected in 1930, at a time when swastikas were associated with Native Americans and viewed as ancient symbols of good fortune -- before they became synonymous with Nazis.

Father Marquette with Swastikas

Address:: 2631 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL
Directions:: In an industrial neighborhood, on the east side of S. Damen Ave., south of S. Blue Island Ave. and just north of the bridge across the canal.

Nearby Offbeat Places

Sign: Geographic Center of Chicago, Chicago, IL - 1 mi.

Recycled McKinley, Was Columbus, Chicago, IL - 1 mi.

Large Mortar and Pestle, Chicago, IL - 2 mi.

In the region:

Howie the Quality Meats Bull, Munster, IN - 21 mi.

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