Contact Information
North Park Avenue & West Adams Street, Herrin, IL 62948 | (618) 942-3175
Doughboy Statue
A World War I memorial statue, ``The Spirit of The American Dough Boy`` was dedicated on September 6, 1927, following its acquisition through a project sponsored jointly by the local American Legion and VFW Posts. The Viquesney Doughboy soldier is forever immortalized in statue form, as seen in his war apparel and stance. The Dough Boy is a symbol of freedom and remembrance of those who fought for our land. This monument sits in the heart of Herrin on Park Avenue and Adams Street after multiple relocations. There are only a few Dough Boys in the country and Herrin is honored to have one of 90 in the U.S.
Highlights
Location
The statue was originally dedicated in Herrin on September 6, 1927, in the center of the intersection of Park Avenue and Monroe Streets, in Herrin’s downtown area. The Doughboy was moved from the Herrin City Park location Northeast of the center of town in October of 2002. It was rededicated the following November 11 at the new location shown on the right in a small downtown plaza area across from City Hall at the corner of North Park Avenue and West Adams Street. A major portion of the move was handled by the National Guard. The plaques honoring veterans were also moved and placed on the wall behind the Doughboy.
Honoring our Veterans
Every year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, townspeople gather around the Herrin Doughboy on the corner of North Park Avenue and Adams Street to pay tribute to those who have fought and died for their country.
TIps for Doughboy Statue
Beauty in History – Check out the beautiful patriotic mural on the building surrounding the statue.
Separate Soldiers – The state of Illinois originally had six Doughboy statues. The one at Lincoln Park in Chicago is now gone. In addition to Herrin, the others are in Alton, Soldier Field in Chicago, Columbia, and Naperville.
