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Showing posts from June, 2024

St. Paul's Hidden Gem: The Vision of Peace Statue

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St. Paul's Hidden Gem: The Vision of Peace Statue Nestled within the grand walls of the Ramsey County Courthouse in St. Paul Minnesota, lies a masterpiece that transcends its surroundings. Not a portrait of a historical figure or a depiction of war, this awe-inspiring statue whispers a message of peace and unity: the Vision of Peace. A Monument Carved from Onyx Unlike the typical historical monuments, the Vision of Peace isn't crafted from bronze or marble. This colossal sculpture, weighing a staggering 60 tons and standing at 36 feet tall, is carved from a rare and beautiful material – Mexican onyx. Imagine the meticulous work it took to transform 98 individual blocks of this luminous stone into a scene of profound serenity. A Circle of Peace The scene itself is a powerful depiction of unity. Five Native Americans, their faces etched with wisdom and serenity, sit around a crackling fire, smoking their pipes of peace. The smoke from the fire seems to coalesce int...

Minnesota's Jolly Green Giant: A Ho, Ho, Ho-worthy Roadside Icon

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  Cruising down I-90 in Minnesota, you might just do a double take. Towering over Blue Earth at a staggering 55. 5 feet stands a friendly giant – the Jolly Green Giant! This iconic landmark has been a roadside attraction for over 40 years, drawing smiles and photo ops from visitors across the country. A Legacy Rooted in Green The Jolly Green Giant isn't just a random roadside giant. He's a symbol of Minnesota's agricultural heritage and a connection to the Green Giant company, a major producer of canned vegetables. Founded in 1903 as the Minnesota Valley Canning Company, Green Giant became synonymous with peas and corn, and their mascot, the Jolly Green Giant, first appeared on cans in 1928. Birth of a Blue Earth Icon In 1978, with the completion of Interstate 90 nearing, local businesses in Blue Earth wanted a way to put their town on the map. Knowing of Green Giant's history in the area, they hatched a plan to create a giant statue of the company's ...