Pioneers, The
Also known as: Pioneers
Why it's listed
Standing in Central Park in Elmwood, Illinois, this ten-foot bronze sculpture shows a pioneer couple with a baby, a Collie-type dog and a flintlock rifle. It rests on a gray Quincy granite base carved with a dedication to the pioneers who bridged the streams, subdued the soil and founded a state. Lorado Taft, born in Elmwood in 1860, signed the work in 1928. Townspeople raised more than $17,000 to pay for casting and mounting, while Taft donated the sculpture itself. The figures face west, suggesting the westward movement, and the style is a simplified version of Taft's traditional approach. The piece was listed for its artistic value as a locally significant work by a sculptor once regarded as Chicago's most distinguished artist. Taft's own family came to Elmwood in 1855, and he had been interested in the pioneer theme since about 1890. The bronze was restored in 1993 after serious corrosion.
Significance in brief: It is nominated under Criterion C for art as a locally significant work by sculptor Lorado Taft, who was born in Elmwood. It is described as one of Taft's major sculptures, executed in his traditional style but simplified, and it realizes his long-held pioneer theme. It carries deep meaning for the town and the state.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 01000117, listed May 4, 2001. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Central Park, N,. Magnolia St., Elmwood |
|---|---|
| County | Peoria County |
| Listed | May 4, 2001 |
| Reference number | 01000117 |
| Resource type | Object |
| Period of significance | 1928 |
| Architect / builder | Taft, Lorado Zadok |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Art |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Restored in summer 1993 after severe, uneven surface corrosion; the base is described as level and stable. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.77926, -89.97276 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 01000117.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7757234
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.