Benton, Illinois: Giant George Harrison Cut-Out
A freestanding photorealistic mural by John Cerney, west of I-57, celebrates when George Harrison came to Benton to visit his sister in 1963.
- Address:
- Airport Lane, Benton, IL
- Directions:
- I-57 exit 71 (George visible southbound). Drive east on Main St. Turn left at the first stoplight onto N. Du Quoin St. Drive north until the road crosses back over the interstate, then make the first left onto Airport Lane. You'll see the mural ahead.
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George Harrison's older sister Louise was the wife of a coal mining engineer. They moved from Scotland to Benton, Illinois, for work. George visited in 1963, prior to Beatlemania hitting the U.S. in 1964. This made him the first Beatle to set foot on American soil.
This giant 3-D stand-up cut-out depicts adoring fans throwing themselves at George even though when he was here no one knew who he was. Also, this was erected in 2017, made of plywood, and in 2020 it's already showing signs of age. Not sure how long it will last!
[Mike Gassmann, 09/10/2020]
A large mural, just to the west of I-57, commemorates the two weeks in 1963 when George Harrison came to Benton to visit his sister.
[Tim Rodems, 06/21/2019]Nearby Offbeat Places
Charlie Birger Gallows and George Harrison Artifacts, Benton, IL - < 1 mi.
Franklin County Garage Museum, Benton, IL - < 1 mi.
Marker: First Beatle in America, Benton, IL - < 1 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
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At the time, George was unknown in the States. The photo-realist roadside mural -- actually a kind of giant plywood stand-up -- was created by John Cerney in 2017. He's made others as well.