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Summary
- The Monument of States in Kissimmee, Florida is a unique and quirky tourist attraction that symbolizes unity and solidarity in America.
- The monument was originally designed as a sculpture of travel memories, but after the events of Pearl Harbor, it became a memorial for those who lost their lives in World War II.
- The monument was built with materials collected from all over the United States, and now also includes contributions from 21 countries and even Disney World. It remains a beloved landmark in Kissimmee.
Kissimmee, Florida, is a vacation-home paradise filled with adventurous activity, a growing restaurant and food scene, a plethora of wildlife for animal lovers, and of course, is in proximity to world-famous amusement parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. But what some visitors may not know is that Kissimmee is also home to one of the most unique monuments to peace to exist in the United States.
The brainchild of the eccentric yet enthusiastic traveler Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis in the 1940s, the Monument of States began as nothing more than a proposed tourist attraction but as history unfolded, it came to stand for so much after an event changed the face of America. A uniquely built pyramid structure of memorabilia, materials, stones, rocks, and minerals from throughout the United States and now the world, the Monument of States is a testament to the American value of unity.
A History of Unity-How The Monument Of States Was Created
While today this monument may appear like a quirky tourist attraction meant for road trippers to stop and gawk at a pyramid of rocks, well...it is; however, its rich history will also make travelers pause and reflect on what this monument meant to the American people during a difficult and tragic time.
An Idea For "The Most Unique Monument" In America
Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis, an avid traveler and unofficial Kissimmee town mascot, was the president of the town's All-States Tourist Club in 1941 when he hatched a plan to boost tourism in Kissimmee-- he would build a unique, some may say strange, structure in town from things collected all over America to represent the country's 48 (at the time) states. Inspired by his fellow club members' collections of memorabilia, he thought it would be an interesting sculpture of travel memories. Rumored to have been inspired by the Fireplace of States in Minnesota, Charles hatched a plan, but the reason for this monument would change dramatically after December 7, 1941.
How World War II Changed Everything
December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy," as President Franklin Roosevelt sadly proclaimed, has gone down in history as one of the most dire days for the U.S. The attacks on American military assets in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by the Japanese Empire was an act that shocked and appalled the world--and drew America into World War II.
For Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis, it transformed his creative sculpture idea into a memorial for those who lost their lives and became a monument representing America's perseverance, unity, and solidarity. Imbued by a passionate fervor to commemorate the event and promote peace and unity in the world, Charles went to work.
Building the Monument of States
Writing to governors, mayors, and figureheads all over the United States, Charles successfully obtained rocks, minerals, and fossils from all over America. Purportedly President Roosevelt himself sent a rock to Florida for the project. Locals donated concrete for the core of the structure (507 bags, to be precise), and 3.5 tons of steel was used to reinforce it.
1,500 rocks and state-related memorabilia later, the Monument of States was borne. A pyramid that displayed each donated item in an individual cemented panel with a succinct caption, Charles called it "a tourist's paradise." Some of the most notable features of the 50-foot tall step-pyramid-like structure are the large eagle and flag at the summit of the pyramid, a slab of rock from Mammoth Cave, and a human skull (allegedly). Conceptualized out of the tragedy at Pearl Harbor, this monument was a testament to the strength of the states. Incidentally, Kissimmee is also home to the Museum of Military History, proving that pride is at the heart of Kissimmee's history and culture.
How To Visit The Monument Of States
The Monument of States is located in Lake Front Park on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga, a popular hang-out spot for locals and tourists alike. The monument is visible from the road, walkable from downtown Kissimmee, and is only 3 minutes away from the city's Amtrak Station. Parking is plentiful, and many opt to spend the day in the park, enjoying the lake.
- Address: 300 E Monument Ave Lakefront Park, Kissimmee, FL (located right off a traffic circle)
What Does It Mean Today?
Throughout the decades after World War II came to an end, this distinct Kissimmee feature began expanding, incorporating materials from other parts of the country and world in the sculpture and the surrounding environs. Now Alaska and Hawaii are represented as states in the monument, as are 21 countries. Even Disney World contributed some rocky material to the monument in the 1960s.
Today, the monument is static, with no new additions permitted to it; however, it remains a much-revered space in Kissimmee. It is a place where visitors can see the world in a 50-foot structure and enjoy the park around the monument with family and friends. Charles's legacy is one of bringing people together, and after his passing in the 1950s, he was laid to rest within the monument. Visitors are also reminded of why it stands in the first place and how, no matter where one travels, there are always rocks. Something everyone has in common.