If you live in Kansas City (or you have ever watched a Kansas City sporting event), you probably recognize the view of downtown from the base of the Scout Monument, located in Penn Valley Park just south of downtown. Yesterday I decided that the Scout is my favorite place in all of Kansas City. The Scout represents a Sioux on horseback returning from a hunting trip. It was conceived in 1915 by Cyrus E. Dallin for the Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, where it won a gold medal. Originally, it was headed to another location to be installed, but scheduled a brief stop in K.C. On its way back east, the statue was exhibited on a temporary basis in Penn Valley Park. The statue was so well received that $15,000 was raised in nickels and dimes through a campaign called The Kids of Kansas City. The statue was dedicated in 1922 as a permanent memorial to local Indian tribes. The limestone base is 8 feet 8 inches tall. The sculpture itself is larger than life -- 10 feet 3 inches tall -- and weighs 13/4 tons.
Our city is the most beautiful city in the whole world, and the view from the Scout is the best vantage point from which to view the city. I took the above picture back in May on a "field trip" around Kansas City with my youngest brother and cousin. That's another thing I recommend - a trip around town to visit some of the famous and historic sites our city has to offer. This blog is about things we like. Kansas City is something I like (or love). The Scout, and its place in the park, is something I love as well. Visit The Scout, or just give him a salute as you drive by on I-35.
- Joel
