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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You're not supposed to have a favorite Beatle, but George's stuff was always close to the songs that I cobble together. I love the screaming girls, by the way. If you are any bit a fan of the Fab Four, this is a required stop. Southern Illinois -- who would have thought?
[Higgs, 01/26/2025]
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]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.
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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The giant George cutout, complete with screaming girls, commemorates his visit to Benton in 1963, before he was famous in America.