Wednesday, February 8, 2023

The Chicago Portage - by Ferdinand Rebechini


 

Chicago Portage - by Ferdinand Rebechini

1990 / Corten steel

Location: 4800 S Harlem Ave, Forest View, IL 60402

Located at the National Portage Historic Site


Explorers Marquette and Joliet first crossed the Chicago Portage in 1673.  The statue depicts that event. It was designed and executed by Ferdinand Rebechini (1923-2003), a Chicago area artist.

The Chicago Portage was a significant factor in the development of United States interior. The Chicago Portage is the low and short divide between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River systems. It has been described as one the keys to the continent. Explorers Marquette and Joliet first crossed the Chicago Portage in 1673. One of the most important travel routes of the mid-century, the portage was significant factor in the development of United States interiors.   






The Chicago Portage - by Ferdinand Rebechini

The Chicago Portage - by Ferdinand Rebechini



The Chicago Portage - by Ferdinand Rebechini


The Chicago Portage - by Ferdinand Rebechini

Spot me. Can You?


The Chicago Portage



1 comment:

Chris said...

It's a nice statue but it is historically inaccurate. The American Indians guided Marquette, not as this statue depicts. And, "portage" literally means to carry the canoe overland, not drag it on the ground as this statue depicts.