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

Wrigley Square

Dedicated October 30, 2002

— A gift of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation to the people of Chicago —

Wrigley Square Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024

1. Wrigley Square Marker

Inscription.

Wrigley Square. Dedicated October 30, 2002. The Millennium Monument pays tribute to leading individuals corporations and foundations at the time of the millennium. Their generosity made possible the creation of Millennium Park, which commemorates the spirit and achievement of the great City of Chicago and the people and institutions that have helped it grow and thrive. , , The original monument (or peristyle) that stood on this site was designed by Edward H. Bennett, a prominent Chicago architect who worked closely with Daniel H. Burnham on the 1909 plan of Chicago. He was also responsible for the design of the Buckingham Fountain and the final plan for Grant Park. Derived from the Greek, peristyle defines a series of columns surrounding a temple or enclosing a court. The original version was completed in 1917: however, being made of concrete. The elements took their toll on the structure, and it had to be razed in 1953. , , Nearly half a century later, the recreation of the peristyle, in the form of this Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square, was made possible through the generosity of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation. Instead of concrete, the monument has been constructed of both Indiana and French limestone to ensure it will endure through centuries. The fountain itself is a bronze cast replica of the finials that crown the Wrigley Building just to the north on Michigan Avenue. , , The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company's journey to success began right here in Chicago more than a century ago. Over the years, Wrigley's team, operations and product lineup have been expanded dramatically, so that today the company is a global enterprise with brands that are recognized and enjoyed by billions of people worldwide. , , "While Wrigley brands are woven into the fabric of everyday life around the world, we are particularly proud of our local roots and proud to have played a role in the creation of Millennium Park. Millennium Park and Wrigley Square are meant to be a place for family, friends and colleagues to gather, as well as an oasis of relaxation in the heart of a dynamic and vibrant city may all who enter feel welcome." , William Wrigley, Jr.

The Millennium Monument pays tribute to leading individuals corporations and foundations at the time of the millennium. Their generosity made possible the creation of Millennium Park, which commemorates the spirit and achievement of the great City of Chicago and the people and institutions that have helped it grow and thrive.

The original monument (or peristyle) that stood on this site was designed by Edward H. Bennett, a prominent Chicago architect who worked closely with Daniel H. Burnham on the 1909 plan of Chicago. He was also responsible for the design of the Buckingham Fountain and the final plan for Grant Park. Derived from the Greek, peristyle defines a series of columns surrounding a temple or enclosing a court. The original version was completed in 1917: however, being made of concrete. The elements took their toll on the structure, and it had to be razed in 1953.

Nearly half a century later, the recreation of the peristyle, in the form of this Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square, was made possible through the generosity of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation. Instead of concrete, the monument has been

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constructed of both Indiana and French limestone to ensure it will endure through centuries. The fountain itself is a bronze cast replica of the finials that crown the Wrigley Building just to the north on Michigan Avenue.

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company's journey to success began right here in Chicago more than a century ago. Over the years, Wrigley's team, operations and product lineup have been expanded dramatically, so that today the company is a global enterprise with brands that are recognized and enjoyed by billions of people worldwide.

"While Wrigley brands are woven into the fabric of everyday life around the world, we are particularly proud of our local roots and proud to have played a role in the creation of Millennium Park. Millennium Park and Wrigley Square are meant to be a place for family, friends and colleagues to gather, as well as an oasis of relaxation in the heart of a dynamic and vibrant city may all who enter feel welcome."
William Wrigley, Jr.

Erected 2002.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is October 30, 2002.

Location. 41° 53.039′ N,

Millennium Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024

2. Millennium Monument

87° 37.435′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Grant Park. It can be reached from Michigan Avenue south of Randolph Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the inside of the Millennium Monument, which is in the northwest corner of Millennium Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago IL 60601, 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: John H. Bryan (here, next to this marker); Jean Baptiste Beaubien (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Michigan Boulevard (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chicago Public Library Cultural Center (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct

Wrigley Square image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 12, 2024

3. Wrigley Square

The marker in the foreground is related to an augmented-reality art installation that was introduced to Millennium Park in 2024.

line); a different marker also named The Chicago Public Library Cultural Center (about 400 feet away); Pittsfield Building (about 600 feet away); Millennium Park (about 600 feet away); Jewelers Row (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding Wrigley Square. William "Bill" Wrigley Jr. became leader of the Wrigley Company in 1999 upon the death of his father, William Wrigley III. His great-grandfather, also named William Wrigley Jr., was founder of the Wrigley Company. Bill Wrigley was the final family member to lead the company, stepping down as CEO in 2006. The Wrigley family name is attached to two other iconic structures in Chicago: The Wrigley Building, which is referenced on this plaque, and Wrigley Field, home of baseball's Chicago Cubs, who were owned by the family from 1921 until 1981.

Also see . . .
1. Wrigley Square. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 19, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Made in Chicago Museum: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, est. 1891.

Excerpt: "When the Ashland Avenue plant was finally shuttered in 2005, it ended more than
F.P. Burke; courtesy of Chicago History Museum (ICHi-073708), circa 1917

4. Grant Park peristyle (circa 1917)
This photo shows the peristyle that stood at the same spot as the Millennium Monument during the first half of the 20th century. Amid decay, it was torn down in 1953.
a century of Wrigley gum production in the Chicago city limits. The decision to move on was made by William Wrigley’s great grandson, confusingly also named William Wrigley, Jr. (the first William Jr. begat Philip who begat another William who begat another William Jr.).

“'While this is a difficult decision for me personally,' the current Mr. Wrigley announced, 'we would not be making this choice if we did not believe that this change was absolutely necessary for the long-term vitality of our company.'”

(Submitted on December 12, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 997 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 12, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.