Drake Fountain

Address: 92nd Street at South Chicago and Exchange Avenues Year Built: 1892 1909 (moved to present location) Architect: Richard Henry Park Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: March 10, 2004

This rare-surviving example of a Victorian-era public drinking fountain was a gift from Chicago hotel owner John B. Drake. Also known as the Columbus Monument, the fountain originally stood on Washington Street in front of the old City Hall-County building and provided chilled water from its four granite basins. Designed in the Victorian Gothic style, the structure features curving butresses that culminate in a distinctive spire. This sculpture is believed to be Chicago's first statue commemorating Christopher Columbus and was dedicated in December 1892, marking the 400th anniversary of his voyage to America. In addition to the Drake Fountain, Park designed several other sculptures including a silver statue entitled Justice for the World's Columbian Exposition. It stands as a prominent visual landmark in the South Chicago community.