The Monument of States, located in Kissimmee, Florida is a towering tribute to the unity of the United States. It is a great place to visit with your family to learn more about the history of the U.S. and to see a unique piece of art that commemorates the states.
Kissimmee, Florida Monument of the States Roadside Attraction
After the attack on Pearl Harbor in WWII, local artist and tourism booster, Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis sought a way to unify the American people. He did so by writing and sending letters to each of the governors’ in all 50 states, requesting that they send him a rock from their state.
The governors’ responded favorably and he soon had the rocks he had asked for. President Franklin Roosevelt even sent a rock from Hyde Park. Bressler-Pettis mortared the rocks from around the country onto concrete slabs along with the donor’s name and location.
The result is what is known as the Monument of the States, a proud display of one man’s vision in Kissimmee, Florida.
In addition to a rock from each of the 50 states, there are also rocks from 21 foreign countries, as well as pieces from Bressler-Pettis’ private collection of rocks gathered during his personal travels. Rock isn’t the only material you’ll find in this unusual construction. If you look closely you’ll discover meteorites, fossils, stalagmites, petrified wood, teeth and even a bit of bone.
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Some of the rocks are very unique, like this representation of the state of Indiana.
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The towering 40-foot tall monument in Kissimmee, Florida was dedicated in 1943.
Want to check out the Monument of the States roadside attraction on your own? You’ll find it at 300 East Monument Avenue in Kissimmee, Florida.
Other roadside attractions in the area:
The Giant Cross in Orlando
The World’s Second Largest Gator
The World’s Largest Truck
The World’s Largest McDonald’s Entertainment Playplace
If you are heading to Florida, stop into Kissimmee, Florida to visit this unique roadside attraction. The Monument of the States is a great place to stop to teach your kids more about the history of the United States and the unique culture of each different state represented.
More Travel Ideas:
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- 9 Easy Tips To Save Money On Your Hotel Room
- Practical Tips To Save Money On Your Next Road Trip
- 10 Tips To Enjoy Your Road Trip
Jennifer H says
Funny, I live nearby, but haven’t ever visited this. Pretty neat.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
My kids would really enjoy this monument and would even hope to contribute their own rocks to it. Thanks for introducing me to it.
Life Images by Jill says
what an amazing and very interesting monument. Interestingly, we just watched the movie Pearl Harbour the other night, and our friends told us they had been there.
Have a wonderful week and thank you for stopping by my blog last week.
Sonja says
I’m actually surprised so many governors cooperated! Would they still nowadays, I wonder? Very cool monument.
Tonya says
You’re right, I wonder how many governors would even receive a letter for a request. I’m sure they have interns for that in many places.
Sophie says
So quirky these roadside structures, whether it’s the ‘big’ something-or-other, or creative memorials like this one.
Lucia says
LOVE these kind of roadside memorials. Thank you for sharing it!
budget jan says
Good to see Dr. Charles foresight paid off and is still able to be seen today.
Leigh says
Now that’s someone with a creative mind and what an interesting attraction. I wondered too like Marisol if they’d get nearly the same response in 2013. I think it’s a glorious way to show unity.
[email protected] says
I have not heard of this monument. Truly interesting. The Dr. must have an amazing determination. Imagine writing to a governor of each 50 state asking for a rock. I wonder if he would get the same response if he does it today.
Cathy Sweeney says
Very cool! This is a new for me, too. I love it when people have great ideas and make something happen. I wonder what’s in the time capsule. I might even be around in 2043 to find out. 🙂
Tonya says
I was curious about the time capsule too! I thought it would be fun to plan a trip just for the opening, but not sure I’d be able to convince my husband to go.
Jackie Smith says
I’d never heard of this! What a great post – what a great monument!!
Muza-chan says
As always, I’m captivated by your images.