Metropolis in Massac County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Superman Statue Facts
The Superman Statue is the Largest Superman Statue in the World and is 15 foot tall and weighs 6000 pounds.
The Superman Statue was ordered on November 17, 1992, in the same month Superman "died" in the comics. Superman: The Man of Steel #17.
Barron Walton of Highland, Utah was the project manager, and known for being the creators of the large Emmy statues that stand outside the entrance to the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences building.
Artist Gary Ernest Smith sculpted the 15 foot Superman image in clay.
Metal Letters, Inc. in Nehi, Utah was the foundry that cast the bronze statue.
The initials of the 30 Employers of Metal Letters, Inc are under the left boot.
Barron Walton held an open house in their facility in Highland Utah so locals could see the statue before it's 4 day trip to Metropolis
There was a small spot left unpainted on the left boot known as the "lucky spot" where visitors could rub the spot for good luck.
The base of the statue is shield shaped and can best be seen from the air.
A huge storm blew through Metropolis on the day of the unveiling and most of Metropolis was without power.
The Statue was unveiled on June 5, 1993.
A parachute was used to cover the statue for the unveiling.
The Bronze statue replaced the original statue that was only 8 feet tall, weighed 200 pounds with the cost of $1000.
Erected 2023.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Man-Made Features. A significant historical date for this entry is June 5, 1993.
Location. 37° 9.131′ N, 88° 43.962′ W. Marker is in Metropolis, Illinois, in Massac County. It is on Market Street north of West 5th Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is behind the Superman Statue, to the right of Massac County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 517 Market St, Metropolis IL 62960, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois Little Egypt. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, and in the Corn Belt. 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: Super Heroes (a few steps from this marker); Dedicated to the Men and Women of Massac County (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Honoring All Our Defenders of Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); Jim Hambrick (within shouting distance of this marker); Oscar Micheaux: 18841951 (within shouting distance of this marker); Annie Turnbo Malone: 18691957 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cowling (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metropolis.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 29, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.


