Monuments of States

The Monument of States (FMSF# OS0584) is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places for local significance under Criterion A in the area of Recreation and Tourism. The period of significance is 1943, for its date of construction. As the creation of Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis, the monument was built in 1943 with a two-fold purpose: to be a commemorative piece and a draw for local tourism. As a product of World War II, it served as a unifying sculpture to bond together the states after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. In its design, each state would donate a rock particular to their location for placement on the monument. Pettis would also add his own collection of rocks from his prior travels all over the United States. Over time, cities and even other countries would send objects to affix to the towering monument at the request of Pettis, thereby creating an evolving and visually prominent tourist attraction. Interest in this roadside monument dwindled after the 1971 opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando to the northwest, as flashy and large-scale tourist destinations would supersede the older, static attractions in the coming decades. The Kissimmee Monument of States stands as an important example of mid-twentieth century tourism efforts before the large theme parks came to dominate the Florida landscape and attention of visitors.