Milwaukee Monuments: The Beginning
Beckoned by this weekend’s mild weather, I took a stroll outside and was heartened by the number of fellow Milwaukeeans I encountered on the winding paths along Lake Michigan. Couples, dog walkers, runners—it was as if we were collectively evading winter’s grasp and orientating our internal solar panels.
In other words, it was a pleasant day and I felt like dawdling. This is probably why I paused to admire one of the statues in Juneau Park—learning a few things about the city in the process. A short distance later I stopped to look at another one. Then I stopped at another… and another…
Statue of Solomon Juneau
Then it hit me: There are a lot of statues in this city (a true epiphany, I know). I mean, they’re freakin’ everywhere, as if someone once decreed that all public spaces shall contain a monument. There are enough to make Saddam Hussein jealous.
So this summer, I thought it would be fun to document on this blog as many Milwaukee monuments as I can find. Lame idea? Probably. A waste of time? Probably not. There are more than a few interesting stories encased in those oft-neglected bronze and marble structures.
Some of these stories, if not most, have been grossly romanticized. Many reflect periods of ignorance, prejudice and ethnocentrism. But there are also heady tales of exploration, courage and cunning (they didn’t make statues for just anyone) that are worthy of admiration.
Every Milwaukee monument provides a tiny glimpse into the history, progress and aspirations of our civilization.* And I think they deserve another, thoughtful look.
