George Washington-Robert Morris-Hyam Salomon Memorial
On the corner of Wabash Avenue and Wacker Drive, just a couple blocks southwest of the Tribune Tower, stands a testament to the fact that people of different backgrounds had to come together to help our nation come into existence.
In this memorial along the Chicago River, George Washington, in his Revolutionary War uniform, shakes hands with English-born Robert Morris on his right and Polish-Jewish emigrant Hyam Salomon on his left. Morris, who actually was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and Salomon gave their financial support to assure victory in the American Revolution, raising thousands of dollars to assist the American Army in its battle against the British. At the base of the statue, a plaque envisions a multitude of people being welcomed by Liberty and her outstretched arms.
Alderman Barnet Hodes commissioned the sculpture in the 1930s and raised the necessary money. Loredo Taft, whose ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War, designed the work but died in 1936 after completing only a small model. His associates were given a new contract, and three of them (Nellie Walker, Leonard Crunelle, and Mary Webster) each enlarged one of the figures, finishing the artwork in 1941. It has proudly stood by the Chicago River since 2002.
The government of the United States
which gives to bigotry no sanction to the persecution
no assistance requires only that they who live under
its protection should demean themselves as good citizens
in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.
President George Washington, 1790
Photo credit: Life Cinematic, wallyg
George Washington-Robert Morris-Hyam Salomon Memorial: 50 E Wacker Dr
Public trans: Bus # 2, 6, 10, 144, 146
Red Line train (Lake)
Brown/Green/Pink/Purple/Orange Line train (State)
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POSTED IN: Architecture & Attractions
2 opinions for George Washington-Robert Morris-Hyam Salomon Memorial
Lorraine Richardson
Feb 19, 2008 at 1:48 pm
This statute is a great tribute to the fact that our founding fathers and first President of our great nation welcomed people from every nation to this land. I am awed to think that our government has reached out to the Jewish people in compassion and love as I believe that this is the main reason why Jehovah God (the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob/Israel) has blessed the United States of America! We as a nation need to continue our 100% commitment to the nation of Israel if we wish to see the gracious hand of the Lord God Almighty rest upon the USA with peace in our land.
Matt B
Feb 20, 2008 at 10:35 am
I agree, our nation is the great community that it is in thanks to the multitudes of different peoples that live here. It would benefit us, both spiritually and politically, to continue the tradition of welcoming all people from all backgrounds.
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