Lincoln Park / Indian Alarm – by John J. Boyle

Indian Alarm – by John J. Boyle

Completed: 1884

The sculpture is one of the earliest work in Chicago to depict American Indians.

The sculpture was commissioned by Martin Ryerson (1818-1887), who spent several years trading with the Indians in Michigan. Thus the inscription on the base reads: “To the Ottawa Nation of Indians, my early friends.” Ryerson established a lumber business and came to Chicago, where he had several office buildings built in the loop.

The sculpture was cast in bronze in Philadelphia. The original display of the statue included a surrounding low concrete decorative wall with urns. Also, the original plaques on the 4 sides of the pedestal were bronze and were subsequently stolen by vandals. New “plaques” of engraved stone were put in place depicting The Hunt, Forestry, The Corn Dance and The Peace Pipe.”