Victory Monument
historic place
The Victory Monument, a historic place in Chicago's Cook County, was erected in 1927. This bronze and granite sculpture honors the Eighth Regiment of the Illinois National Guard, an African-American unit that served with distinction in France during World War I as the 370th U.S. Infantry. The monument was dedicated on Armistice Day, November 11, 1928. The monument features a white granite shaft. A bronze sculpture of a soldier, often called a "doughboy," was added to the top in 1936. Three bronze relief panels on the shaft depict life-sized figures. One panel shows an African-American female figure representing motherhood and victory. Another features a female figure with a helmet, holding a tablet inscribed with battle names. A third panel depicts an African-American soldier of the 370th Infantry. A fourth bronze panel lists the names of 137 members of the Eighth Infantry who died in World War I. Sculptor Leonard Crunelle created the bronze elements, while John A. Nyden contributed to the granite column's design. The monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and designated a Chicago Landmark in 1998. It remains a site for annual Memorial Day ceremonies, commemorating the service and sacrifice of these soldiers.