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Heald Square Monument

Heald Square Monument is a bronze sculpture by the American artist Lorado Taft, located at Heald Square in downtown Chicago, United States. Erected in 1936, it depicts General George Washington, later the first president of the United States, alongside his two main financiers, Robert Morris and Haym Salomon, during the American Revolution. After Taft’s death in 1936, the sculpture was completed by his associates Leonard Crunelle, Nellie Walker, and Fred Torrey. Heald Square lies in the historic Michigan–Wacker Historic District in Chicago’s Loop and was named for Captain Nathan Heald, who commanded Fort Dearborn from 1810 to 1812.

Heald Square Monument bronze sculpture of three historical figures on a red granite pedestal, with downtown skyscrapers behind it.
The Heald Square Monument shows three bronze figures standing together on a red granite base in downtown Chicago.
September 2014 © Acediscovery · CC BY 4.0
Heald Square Monument bronze sculpture with George Washington and two men in period dress, set on a granite pedestal in downtown Chicago.
Heald Square Monument in Chicago, shown with surrounding skyscrapers in the background.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0
Heald Square Monument statue dusted with snow during heavy snowfall
Heald Square Monument stands on its base as fresh snow covers the figures and shoulders.
January 2009 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Heald Square Monument base plaques embedded in a granite stone base, including a rededication plaque.
Base plaques on the Heald Square Monument, including a plaque rededicated by the American Masonic Heritage Council in 1962.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0
Heald Square Monument bronze relief showing a seated female figure with a torch, flanked by crowds of figures.
Bronze relief on Heald Square Monument showing a seated female figure holding a torch above crowds on either side.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0

Identification

TitleHeald Square Monument
TypeBronze sculpture
French nameMonument d'Heald Square

Creator

ArtistLorado Taft
Leonard CrunelleFrench artist
Associated completion artistsLeonard Crunelle, Nellie Walker, and Fred Torrey

Historical context

Square naming originNamed after Captain Nathan Heald, commander of Fort Dearborn from 1810 to 1812
Date erected1936
Historical contextThe American Revolutionary War

Location and ownership

Neighborhood/areaThe Loop (Downtown Chicago)
DistrictMichigan–Wacker Historic District
Location detailHeald Square is in the Michigan–Wacker Historic District of Chicago's Loop community area
LocationHeald Square, Chicago, Illinois, United States
DesignationChicago Landmark
Designation byCity of Chicago
Designation dateSeptember 15, 1971

Appearance

Depicted figuresGeorge Washington, Robert Morris, and Haym Salomon
SubjectGeneral George Washington and the two principal financiers of the American Revolution
Depiction of George WashingtonGeneral George Washington, later the first President of the United States

History and restoration

Completed after artist's deathCompleted after Lorado Taft's death in 1936