Chicago South [Drake Fountain / The Columbus Monument - by Richard Henry Park]

Drake Fountain - by Richard Henry Park

1893 

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

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

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.

 

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.

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.

Ref: A Guide to Chicago's Public Art.. By Ira J.Bach and Mary Lackritz Gray.

It is also known as an ice water fountain, 

as it originally dispensed cool drinking water from its four granite basins. 

The plaque on top reads..

Ice Water Fountain

The Gift of John B. Drake

to the City of Chicagho

1892

Other Columbus Monuments include

Columbus Monument - by Carl Brioschi