Navy Pier in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Captain on the Helm

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

1. Captain on the Helm Marker

Inscription.

"They mark our passage as a race of men, Earth will not see such ships as those agen."
John Masefield

Dedicated this 19th day of May, in the year 2000 to those courageous mariners who guided their ships through perilous waters, carrying cargo and people. Their contributions have been so much a part of our history, may they never be forgotten.

International Shipmasters' Association • Chicago Lodge No. 3
Sculptor: Michael Martino

Erected 2000 by International Shipmasters' Association, Chicago Lodge No. 3.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.

Location. 41° 53.443′ N, 87° 36.58′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Navy Pier. It is on East Grand Avenue west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41), on the right when traveling east. The marker is at the base of the statue, just south of Navy Pier. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and

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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: 2021 Save the People's Pier Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); To Sit a While (within shouting distance of this marker); Polk Bros Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Illinois & Michigan Canal (about 400 feet away); Milton L. Olive III Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to Jane Addams Park Natural Area (approx. ¼ mile away); Life at the Beach (approx. ¼ mile away); Monument of the Millennium (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . .
1. Martino Studios. (Submitted on March 26, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Captain at the Helm. From the website for the International Ship Masters' Association, Chicago Lodge 3.

Excerpt: "Positioned at the front gates
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

2. Captain on the Helm
of Navy Pier in Chicago, it serves as the perfect backdrop for our annual Blessing of the Fleet and Maritime Day event each year and is front and center for the annual Christmas Ship event. The statue serves as a proper tribute to mariners and their distinguished role in history."

(Submitted on March 26, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Captain on the Helm at Navy Pier image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

3. Captain on the Helm at Navy Pier

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.