Chicago South / Drake Fountain – by Richard Henry Park

Drake Fountain – by Richard Henry Park [1832-1902].

Also known as Columbus Monument

It was a gift to Chicago from hotel owner, John B. Drake.

Location: East 92nd Street at South Chicago and Exchange Avenues.

Designated a Chicago Landmark: March 10, 2004.

Believed to be Chicago’s first statue commemorating Columbus.
The monument was originally dedicated in December 1892 to mark the 400th anniversary of his voyage.

Drake Fountain – by Richard Henry Park / Columbus as a young student of geography with globe in hand.

Inspired by Gothic Cathedral architecture, the fountain is fashioned of small coupled granite columns and curving buttresses that rise upward 33-feet to culminate in a pointed spire. A 71/2 foot bronze figure of Columbus portrayed as a young student of geography, globe in hand, stands on a stone pedestal at the front.

The monument is believed to be Chicago’s first statue commemorating Columbus. It was originally dedicated in December 1892 to mark the 400th anniversary of his voyage.

Drake Fountain – by Richard Henry Park

The Fountain has been moved a few times..
It originally located on Washington Street in a plaza created by a light court of the former City Hall-County Building.
In 1906, when the Old County building was razed it was moved to LaSalle Street..
In 1909, it was moved to its current location, on East 92nd Street at South Chicago and Exchange Avenues..