Other Public Art

The City of Council Bluffs is rich in cultural history. Today, many of its historic figures and events are celebrated in the form of local monuments and artwork located throughout the community. Each is a source of community pride and offers viewers a sense of the historic events that shaped the City’s character and identity.

Works that have significant influence on the City’s existing environment include a variety of styles and classically inspired representational sculptures such as the Ruth Ann Dodge Memorial, known locally as the “Black Angel.” This important sculpture was created by David Chester French, who also created the massive statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Other representational sculptures in the area include the Kanesville Tabernacle Settlers, and the Bayliss Park Veteran’s Memorial. These pieces set a tone that is collectively somber, respectful, and reflective. Most of the other existing artworks are historic monuments including: the Lincoln Monument, Lewis and Clark Monument, Flood Monument in Dodge Park, Kinsman Monument, Golden Spike Monument, a series of Lewis and Clark ceramic trail markers, and a set of commemorative downtown ceramic paving tiles.