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'''The Monument of States''' is a historic monument located in [[Kissimmee, Florida]], in [[Osceola County, Florida|Osceola County]]. Built during [[World War II]] and dedicated on March 28, 1943, it was created to symbolize American unity following the [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|attack on Pearl Harbor]] in December 1941. The unusual structure incorporates stones and geological specimens from across the United States and other parts of the world, making it one of Kissimmee's distinctive historical landmarks.<ref name="floridamemory">[https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/93191 ''Monument of States''], Florida Memory, State Archives of Florida.</ref>

The monument stands near the downtown Kissimmee lakefront and reflects both the patriotism of the wartime era and the city's history as a destination for visitors from around the country.<ref name="smithsonian">[https://www.si.edu/object/monument-states-sculpture%3Asiris_ari_337954 ''Monument of States, (sculpture)''], Smithsonian Institution, American Art Museum.</ref>

== History ==

=== Origins ===

The idea for the Monument of States originated with Dr. Charles W. Bressler-Pettis, a local physician and community promoter who wanted to create a lasting symbol of national unity following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Bressler-Pettis was associated with the Kissimmee All-States Tourist Club, also known as the KAST Club. The organization welcomed visitors from across the United States, including winter residents who traveled to Central Florida. The monument was conceived as a tribute to these visitors and to the unity of the country during wartime.<ref name="kast">[https://osceolahistory.org/kissimmee-all-states-tourist-club-kast-club/ Kissimmee All-States Tourist Club (KAST Club)], Osceola History.</ref>

Bressler-Pettis contacted state governors and other prominent figures to request stones and geological specimens for the project. The contributions were intended to represent the different states and demonstrate that people from throughout the nation could come together in support of a common purpose.

=== Construction ===

Work on the monument began in late 1941, with construction continuing into 1942 and 1943. Local residents, businesses, and civic organizations contributed materials, labor, and financial support. The City of Kissimmee provided the site, while members of the KAST Club and the Kissimmee Lions Club helped with the project.<ref name="smithsonian" />

The monument was designed by Don Lancaster. Bressler-Pettis and J. C. Fischer were involved in creating its sculptural features, including the concrete bald eagle that crowns the structure.<ref name="smithsonian" />

The foundation was poured on December 21, 1941, and the cornerstone was laid on January 11, 1942. Construction was officially completed on March 19, 1943, and the monument was dedicated on March 28, 1943.<ref name="smithsonian" /><ref name="kast" />

=== Dedication ===

The dedication took place during World War II, when the United States was engaged in a global conflict following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The monument's purpose was to express patriotism, national solidarity, and the idea that people from many places shared a common national identity.

The project also reflected Kissimmee's role as a community that attracted visitors and seasonal residents from across the country. The contributions of individuals and organizations helped make the monument a collective civic project rather than the work of a single donor.

== Design and construction ==

The Monument of States is an approximately 50-foot-tall structure shaped like an irregular, stepped pyramid. It consists of 21 tiers of varying sizes, constructed from concrete and reinforced with steel. A concrete sphere and a bald eagle with outstretched wings crown the monument, with a flagpole rising above them.<ref name="smithsonian" />

The structure is notable for its unusual use of geological materials. Its stones and specimens include varieties of quartz, granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, petrified wood, coral, lava, and other materials. Some specimens are unusual geological formations or fossils.

The stones are incorporated into the monument's tiers and surrounding area. Many carry inscriptions identifying their origin or donor. The result is a structure that functions both as a memorial and as a collection of geological curiosities from different locations.<ref name="smithsonian" />

== Stones from across the United States and the world ==

When the monument was constructed, the United States consisted of 48 states. Stones were collected from each of them, and additional materials were contributed from other parts of the world.

Historical descriptions record more than 1,500 stones from the 48 states and 21 foreign countries. Some contributions came from prominent public figures, including President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and Canadian Prime Minister [[William Lyon Mackenzie King]].<ref name="smithsonian" /><ref name="kast" />

Following the admission of [[Alaska]] and [[Hawaii]] to the United States in 1959, stones associated with those states were also added to the collection. The monument and its surrounding stones therefore continued to develop after the original dedication.

The variety of materials makes the monument an unusual record of geographic and geological diversity. It also reflects the extensive network of correspondence and donations that supported its construction.

== Preservation and restoration ==

The Monument of States has remained a recognizable landmark in Kissimmee for generations. In 2001, the structure was refurbished following the [[September 11 attacks|September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks]], renewing its association with national unity during a period of renewed public attention to patriotism and national remembrance.<ref name="floridamemory" />

The monument is administered by the City of Kissimmee's parks department and is located in the city's downtown lakefront area.<ref name="smithsonian" />

The Smithsonian Institution's inventory of outdoor sculpture documents the monument's construction, materials, dimensions, and historical significance. The State Archives of Florida also preserves photographs and records that help document its place in Kissimmee's history.

== Historical significance ==

The Monument of States represents several aspects of Kissimmee's past:

* '''Wartime patriotism:''' It was conceived after the attack on Pearl Harbor as a symbol of national unity during World War II.
* '''Community cooperation:''' Local residents, businesses, civic organizations, and government contributed to its construction.
* '''Tourism history:''' The project was associated with efforts to recognize and welcome visitors from across the United States.
* '''Geological diversity:''' Its many stones and specimens represent locations across the United States and other countries.
* '''Local heritage:''' It remains an unusual landmark associated with the history of downtown Kissimmee.

The monument's combination of local initiative, national symbolism, and unusual construction makes it a distinctive part of the cultural heritage of [[Central Florida]].

== Location ==

The Monument of States is located near the Kissimmee lakefront at approximately 310 East Monument Avenue, Kissimmee, Florida. It is administered by the City of Kissimmee's Parks and Recreation Department.<ref name="smithsonian" />

Its location near downtown makes it accessible to visitors exploring the city's historic commercial district and lakefront area.

== See also ==

* [[Kissimmee, Florida]]
* [[Osceola County, Florida]]
* [[Central Florida]]
* [[World War II]]
* [[Attack on Pearl Harbor]]
* [[Kissimmee All-States Tourist Club]]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Kissimmee, Florida]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Florida]]
[[Category:History of Central Florida]]
[[Category:World War II memorials in the United States]]

Monument of States - Revision history