Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, 2005

Edward Hlavka

Chicago Transit Authority’s Jefferson Park Station

4917 North Milwaukee Avenue

Created by South Dakota native Edward Hlavka, this life-size statue depicts Jefferson signing the Declaration of Independence outside the Chicago Public Transit station that bears his name. 

In comparison with other historical statues around the city, this one is unusual as it is not on a pedestal, but at ground level. This makes the piece interactive as viewers can see Jefferson eye to eye and view the Declaration of Independence in bronze. A campaign for this honorary statue was started by newspaper publisher, Glenn Nadig. Monies were donated by other businesses and individuals in the neighborhood. 

Other Jefferson statues by Hlavka are on display at Mount Rushmore, in Jefferson City, Illinois and at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. His 20-foot tall work Allies in War, Partners in Peace is installed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.