The Republic

The Columbian Exposition of 1893 took place in Chicago, Illinois, and celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' landing in North America. Large pavilions were created along with ponds and lagoons that connected to Lake Michigan. A highlight of the Exposition was the "Court of Honor" and basin that included fountains and sculptures. The most dramatic component of this court was a 65 foot high plaster statue, covered in gold leaf, by Daniel Chester French called "The Republic."

After the closing of the Exposition, all the buildings and sculptures were destroyed or fell to ruin. (One notable exception is an Art Gallery that is now part of the Museum of Science and Industry.) In 1918, Daniel French was commissioned to make a smaller model of his statue, which was installed for the 25th anniversary of the Exposition. It's 24 feet high and made of gilded bronze, and stands on a base made by Henry Bacon, who would later collaborate with French on the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

This permanent reproduction by the artist is located on the site of the Exposition's Administration Building. The statue was restored in 1992 and rededicated by Mayor Richard M. Daley to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 1893 Exposition (also known as the Chicago World's Fair of 1893). It's an interesting history, and impressive statue.

(Thank you to Ed VE for showing it to me.)