Oak Park in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen
Photographed by Sean Flynn, August 7, 2023
1. The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen Marker
For example, have you ever ...
... Seen the movie "The Little Mermaid"?
This tale was originally written back in 1836 by Mr. Andersen, and the story is still beloved today, just as it was over a century ago!
... Read "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis?
If so, you know who the White Witch is. But what you probably don't know is that C.S. Lewis based this character on Hans Christian Andersen's lead character in The Snow Queen, written way back in 1845!
... Watched the tin solider scene in "Fantasia 2000"?
The animation for the tin soldier scene set to music in Disney's "Fantasia 2000" was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen 1838 fairy tale The Brave Tin Soldier.
As you can see, Mr. Andersen's fairy tales have become a part of modern popular culture, while at the same time retaining the playful, whimsical aspects that keep them fresh year after year after year. So what are you waiting for? Find a Hans Christian Andersen book of
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 41° 54.048′ N, 87° 46.731′ W. Marker was in Oak Park, Illinois, in Cook County. It was on Hayes Street 0.1 miles south of Division Street, on the right when traveling north. This marker is the middle of three along the Hayes Avenue sidewalk at Andersen Park that are dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 824 Hayes Street, Oak Park IL 60302, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Greater Chicago. It was also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (here, next to this marker); The Life of Hans Christian Andersen (a few steps from this marker); Origins of the Literary Fairy Tale (a few steps from this marker); Gold Star Men of the World War (within shouting distance of this marker); Edgar Rice Burroughs House (approx.
Photographed by Sean Flynn, August 7, 2023
2. Andersen Park playground
The two markers about Andersen's literary works are out of the picture to the left, in front of the fence to the playground.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Life and Times of Hans Christian Andersen (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. This marker and two others nearby were removed during a 2025-26 renovation of Andersen Park and replaced by three signs about Hans Christian Andersen with new wording and styling.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
