Oregon, Illinois: Black Hawk, the Rock River Colossus
Dedicated in 1911 as "The Eternal Indian," but the locals call it Chief Black Hawk. At 48 feet high, it's the second-tallest monolithic concrete statue in the world. It cracked in the brutal Winter of 2014. Repairs were finally completed in Jan. 2020.
Lowden State Park
- Address:
- N. River Rd, Oregon, IL
- Directions:
- From town drive east across the river, then immediately turn north onto River Rd/Hwy 33. Drive north a little over a mile, then turn left into Lowden State Park. Follow the road west to the parking lot, then follow the trail west to the River and statue.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Black Hawk, the Rock River Colossus
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Black Hawk, the rock river colossus, and signage.
[Craig Grondfeldt, 08/28/2020]We took a drive to see the statue with the hope that its refurbishment was complete. It is not. The huge statue is still under wraps.
[John Holmes, 09/02/2015]I was just here. Very worth seeing, almost 50 ft. tall, right on wide Rock River in a park with informative plaques. The statue is just few feet from the west parking lot. Beautiful area and drive.
[Roadgypsy, 10/29/2013]
48-foot statue of a Native American created by Lorado Taft will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. It is said to be the 2nd largest concrete statue in the world. Overlooks the Rock River just off highway 64 on River Road in Lowden State Park.
[Amy Trimble, 04/11/2011]
The Indian wears a long blanket and stands with folded arms gazing across the Rock River from its eastern bank. Resting 125 feet above the river, "Black Hawk" stands as a proud sentry welcoming visitors to Oregon. The statue stands on a 6-foot base, weighs 536,770 lbs., and is said to be the second-tallest monolithic concrete statue in the world.
[Doug Campbell, 04/08/2006]The sculptor was Lorado Taft. Our linen postcard claims that the statue stands on Eagle's Nest Bluff 300 feet above the Rock River.
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The signs behind statue provide details about the site, the statue, and Paris-trained sculptor Lorado Taft -- who created it between 1908 and 1910, with the help of artist/engineer John G. Prasuhn.