Lake View East in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Walt Whitman

— The Legacy Walk —

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 26, 2021

1. Walt Whitman Marker

Inscription.
Walt Whitman
Gay U.S. Poet
(1819 - 1892)

Unlike many other poets, Whitman came from the working class and celebrated its unique contributions to American ideals. His groundbreaking Leaves of Grass was released in eight complete editions spanning 1855 to 1892. Speaking both to, and in the voice of, the common man, it represents the greatest achievement of Whitman’s life and a benchmark in the evolution of American literature. Throughout its various reprints it alternated as a commercial flop, a critical favorite, a commercial success, and a scandal. (The 1882 edition was banned in Boston). A tome of profound influence, it is regarded by most literary historians as a towering work, commanding, and uniquely American. It is also almost universally interpreted as a paean to sexual expression and, in particular, a thinly veiled celebration of homoeroticism – so much so that one outraged critic denounced it for “that crime not to be mentioned among Christians.” Though a number of Whitman scholars have taken issue with the suppositions generally made about his sexuality and the ensuing characterizations of Leaves of Grass (aided by a bit of obfuscation to which Whitman himself admitted) the evidence – in the form of letters, personal notes and interviews – supports the contention that Whitman was gay and writing about sexual themes. Oscar

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Wilde, who met Whitman in America in 1882, wrote that there was "no doubt" about the great American poet's sexual orientation saying "I have the kiss of Walt Whitman still on my lips." Regardless of his personal life, the sheer power of his verse prompted one British reviewer to declare "You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without Leaves of Grass.” Dubbed the first “Poet of Democracy” Whitman’s critical acclaim and reputation remain unrivaled in modern times.

Erected 2013 by The Legacy Project.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the The Legacy Walk series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 31, 1819.

Location. 41° 56.584′ N, 87° 38.968′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Lake View East. It is on North Halsted Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3342 North Halsted Street, Chicago IL 60657, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

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

the territory of the Mississippian

Walt Whitman Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 26, 2021

2. Walt Whitman Marker - wide view

The marker is seen here on the rainbow pylon that it shares along with a marker for Keith Haring.

Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Keith Haring (here, next to this marker); Alan Mathison Turing (a few steps from this marker); Reinaldo Arenas (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Sally K. Ride (within shouting distance of this marker); Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (within shouting distance of this marker); Cole Porter (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bayard Rustin (about 300 feet away); Pauli Murray (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . . Walt Whitman (Wikipedia).

"Walter Whitman (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) was an American poet, essayist and journalist. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of free verse. His work was controversial in its time, particularly his 1855 poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described as obscene for its overt sensuality. Whitman's own life came under scrutiny for his presumed homosexuality."

(Submitted on January 2, 2022.)

Additional keywords. lgbt lgbtq

Marker inset: Walt Whitman image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 26, 2021

3. Marker inset: Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman - casting source image image. Click for full size.

G. Frank E. Pearsall (courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery under CC 1.0), 1872

4. Walt Whitman - casting source image

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 2, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.