Lincoln Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Hidden Truths

The Chicago City Cemetery and Lincoln Park, Then and Now

The Kennison Boulder Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, August 14, 2008

1. The Kennison Boulder Marker

Inscription. The 1852 funeral for David Kennison was the most elaborate Chicago had ever seen. The City paid all expenses, and donated 2 cemetery lots, intending to erect a monument on his grave. That never happened. The legend of his exploits grew to unfeasible proportions. His Boston Tea Party fame, military achievements, and his claim to have lived to the age of 115 years are disputed today. This boulder, installed 50 years after Kennison's death, is likely two blocks north of his actual burial site in what was then the Chicago City Cemetery.

This two-part project by Pamela Bannos continues on the internet: http://hiddentruths.northwestern.edu

Erected 2008 by Northwestern University CIRA and URGC Research Grants.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Believe It or Not series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 41° 55′ N, 87° 38.072′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Lincoln Park. It is at the intersection of North Clark Street and West Wisconsin

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Street, on the right when traveling north on North Clark Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60614, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kennison Boulder Monument (here, next to this marker); 1908-1914 N. Clark St. (within shouting distance of this marker); Steer Head from Chicago Stock Exchange Gate (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1830 N. Lincoln Ave. (about 400 feet away); Native Nature (about 400 feet away); Old Town Triangle District (about 700 feet away); Old Town Triangle (about 700 feet away); Men’s and Ladies’ Comfort Station (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding Hidden Truths. This is one in

Photographed by Kathy Walker, August 14, 2008

2. The Kennison Boulder Marker

On the reverse of each marker is a map of the 1863 City Cemetery layout. The white dots indicate the marker placements. The red dot indicates that marker's placement in the context of the City Cemetery grounds.

a series of six markers in Lincoln Park intended for display May-November, 2008.

Also see . . . Hidden Truths: The Cemetery in the Park. Project by Pamela Bannos. (Submitted on August 26, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

The Kennison Boulder Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, August 14, 2008

3. The Kennison Boulder Markers

Hidden Truths Marker with Kennison boulder. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, August 14, 2008

4. Hidden Truths Marker with Kennison boulder.

The Kennison Boulder image. Click for more information.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, August 14, 2008

5. The Kennison Boulder

In Memory of David Kennison The Last Survivor of the "Boston Tea Party" who died in Chicago, February 24, 1852, aged 115 yrs, 3 mos, 17 da, and is buried near this spot. This stone is erected by the Sons of the Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5,065 times since then and 134 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week December 15, 2013. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 23, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.