The Soldiers' Monument (Oregon, Illinois)

The Soldiers' Monument, often referred to locally as "The Eternal Indian" or simply "The Statue," is a prominent sculpture by Lorado Taft located in Lowden State Park near Oregon, Illinois. It overlooks the Rock River and is a significant example of early 20th-century American monumental sculpture.

The monument, completed in 1911, is a large, concrete statue depicting a Native American figure. Taft intended the sculpture to represent the spirit of Native Americans who once inhabited the Rock River Valley, rather than a specific individual or tribe. The figure stands with arms folded, gazing westward, conveying a sense of dignity and contemplation.

Initially named "The Eternal Indian," the monument was funded by Wallace Heckman, a Chicago businessman and friend of Taft. Heckman donated the land and commissioned Taft to create a work that would inspire and uplift visitors. The statue was constructed on a bluff overlooking the Rock River, providing a dramatic backdrop for the imposing figure.

Over time, the statue became known as the Soldiers' Monument, although it does not explicitly depict soldiers or commemorate any particular military conflict. The name likely arose from the monument's presence in a park named after Governor Frank O. Lowden, who served as governor of Illinois during World War I, and the association of monuments with civic duty and remembrance.

The Soldiers' Monument remains a popular tourist destination and a landmark of the Rock River Valley. Its scale and artistic merit have made it a significant work in Taft's oeuvre and a symbol of the region's history and landscape. The statue has undergone several restoration efforts to address deterioration caused by weather and age, ensuring its preservation for future generations.