Elgin in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Pioneer Memorial Statue

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

1. The Pioneer Memorial Statue Marker

Inscription. The Pioneer Memorial Statue has a long history. Taking 70 years to go from concept to completion.

Erected by Elgin Heritage Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 42° 2.503′ N, 88° 17.323′ W. Marker is in Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County. It is on Kimball Street 0.1 miles east of State Street (Illinois Route 31), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 Kimball St, Elgin IL 60120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also 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 territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gail Borden Library (here, next to this marker); W.R. Meadows, Inc.

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(a few steps from this marker); "The Ultimate Sacrifice" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elgin Milk Condensing Company (about 700 feet away); Communication Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); James T. and Hezekiah Gifford (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elgin Wind Power and Pump Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Elgin Windmill (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elgin.

Regarding The Pioneer Memorial Statue. The statue depicts a scout followed by a young family. Elgin was settled in the mid-1830s.

Also see . . . Historic Elgin: Pioneer Memorial Statue.

Excerpt: "The statue was designed by local sculptor Trygve Rovelstad in the 1930s to honor the 100th anniversary of Elgin being settled. The project was to be funded, in part, by the sale of commemorative half dollar coins. These were legal currency with an image of the statue on one side. How many other cities do you know with their own half dollar? The coins were sold for one dollar with the profits going towards constructing the statue. However, times were tough and not many people were willing to pay a dollar for a fifty
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

2. The Pioneer Memorial Statue
cent piece. So the project languished. It was not until the late 1990s when a combination of state, county and city funds, plus private donations, raised enough money to actually build the statue. Unfortunately, Trygve Rovelstad did not live long enough to see the finished product."

(Submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Two markers near the pioneer statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

3. Two markers near the pioneer statue

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.