Iconic Lincoln Statue Vandalized: What Does This Mean for Historical Monuments?

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CHICAGO, IL, USA - AUGUST 5, 2017: Aerial image of the NBC Chicago building

The vandalism of an Abraham Lincoln statue in Chicago has ignited a conversation about the importance and conservation of historical monuments and their narratives.

At a Glance

  • A modest memorial of Abraham Lincoln stood for 91 years in West Englewood, Chicago, before its removal.
  • Recent vandalism of a Lincoln monument in Lincoln Park sparked concerns for historical landmark protection.
  • Authorities are investigating, but no arrests have been made so far.
  • Local community involvement highlights the broader discourse on the societal roles of such monuments.

Historical and Cultural Significance

In Chicago, a modest memorial of Abraham Lincoln, crafted as a 4-foot-tall concrete bust, stood proudly in West Englewood for 91 years. It held a place of honor between a gas station and the corner of 69th Street and Wolcott Avenue. This symbol, reflecting the neighborhood’s historical tapestry, was subject to vandalism, painted over the years, and even used in community events.

Photographer Camilo Vergara, who documented the statue annually since 1997, described the statue’s resonance within the community: “Everything that neighborhood has seen in the past century is reflected off that bust.” This reinforces how pivotal the statue was to local identity and history.

Recent Vandalism Incites Action

The Lincoln memorial in Lincoln Park, located near the Chicago History Museum, was recently defaced with graffiti. Authorities cordoned off the area, and police and CPD Area Three detectives are investigating, but no arrests have yet been made. The attack underscores not only the vulnerability of such monuments but also the urgent need for effective conservation strategies to preserve these historical landmarks.

“I’m 43, and I’ve known that statue since I was born. Everyone here knows that statue. When I was a kid, when the school bus passed the Lincoln, I knew I was almost home.”

While some may argue the statues’ roles are merely symbolic, their existence prompts reflections on history and societal values. Community and official responses emphasize the need to protect such communal treasures. Resilience through restoration efforts highlights the social impact these landmarks hold, offering a beacon of unity and local pride.

Broader Discussion on Monumental Art

The Chicago Department of Transportation previously removed the West Englewood statue due to ongoing vandalism concerns, along with fears heightened following the Charlottesville marches. Originally placed by Swedish immigrant Philip Bloomquist in 1926, it symbolized his assimilation into American culture and respect for Lincoln’s legacy. The statue, albeit lacking grand origins, fostered a unique cultural heritage within a neighborhood facing urban neglect.

“It was like West Englewood’s Egyptian statue,” said barber Will Cook.

Plans to relocate the bust to the West Englewood Library indicate ongoing conversations about appropriate spaces for historical artifacts. Meanwhile, the dialogue surrounding these defaced monuments encourages a collective re-evaluation of how history intertwines with modern society, ultimately spurring actions towards respectful preservation of shared pasts.

Sources

1. In Englewood, cherished Abe Lincoln Statue is broken, vanishes, then resurfaces

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