Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the monument, which was originally built in 1894, is named after Chauncey Hurlbut.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Chauncey Hurlbut was a 19th Century president of Detroit’s Board of Water Commissioners.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The statue and monument suffered extensive damage after being struck by lightning in 2019. The eagle has since been completely recreated and was reinstalled on the memorial gate.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The eagle was recreated by stone masons who carved a new statue out of limestone. The block of limestone used to carve the new eagle came from the same quarry and the same lot that was used to build the Michigan Central train station more than 100 years ago.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The monument as seen from Jefferson Ave. in April 2023
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Between 2019 and 2023, GLWA has worked with contractors to repair or replace portions of and clean the entire monument.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A closer look at some of the details
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A closer look at some of the details
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Decades ago, somebody stole the bronze bust of Chauncey Hurlbut from its pedestal in the gate.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The dome of the Memorial Gate proudly exudes its heritage of Beaux Arts Classicism.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A view at the gate from a different perspective. April 2023.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org