Chicago’s 2,000 year old monument to fascism. Even more bizarre - one of the only structures to remain from the historic 1930s Century of Progress fair. The inscription:
This column, twenty centuries old, was erected on the beach of Ostia, the port of Imperial Rome, to watch over the fortunes and victories of the Roman triremes. Fascist Italy, with the sponsorship of Benito Mussolini, presents to Chicago a symbol and memorial in honor of the Atlantic Squadron led by Balbo, which with Roman daring, flew across the ocean in the 11th year of the Fascist era.
Dear Mr. Mussolini - Chicago thanks you! We take your gift as it stands lonely and thankfully, forgotten by most.
Robert Bird’s essay on it is here.
