Ishpeming, Michigan: Indian Old Ish
Made in New Jersey, this zinc Indian statue originally topped a public drinking fountain. He's been here since 1888. Copies of Old Ish, with other Indian names, could once be found in other cities, but most are gone now.
- Address:
- Main St., Ishpeming, MI
- Directions:
- US Hwy 41 to 2nd St., then south into town. Right on Hematite Drive, then left on Main St. Ish is on the right.
- Admission:
- Free.
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Visitor Tips and News About Indian Old Ish
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The Isa and Aiti chairs, formerly next to the Old Ish statue, have been relocated to the Big Louie Monument in Hancock.
[Mark Bauer, 09/15/2020]
I visited Ishpeming on June 3, 2009. Old Ish was still standing proud but the chairs mentioned in the previous update were not there.
[Rob, 06/28/2009]
We stumbled upon a strange monument in the little square in downtown Ishpeming. The statue of Old "Ish," the Native American, was erected here in 1884 by the local mining company, as part of an array of drinking fountains -- one for humans, one for horses, and one for dogs. The iron statue -- representing an Ojibwe brave, was originally painted black. Today it is brightly colored, like a plastic model.
Old Ish is flanked by two oversized chairs -- newer additions -- and a public photo opportunity. The chairs are decorated with white and blue paint -- one chair is labeled "Isa" and the other "Aiti."
The statue is just down the road from the World's Largest Working Chainsaw. The Upper Peninsula is a weird place.
[Roadsideamerica.com Team, 01/12/2007]Nearby Offbeat Places
U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame and Museum, Ishpeming, MI - < 1 mi.
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap, Ishpeming, MI - 1 mi.
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