Cantigny Park at Wheaton, Illinois, has long been a wonderful resource for World War I enthusiasts. The summer home of Chicago Tribune publisher and 1st Division Veteran Robert McCormick, the centerpiece of the 500-acre complex has been the First Division Museum and its tank park. The complex underwent a major expansion and redesign in 2017, the 100th anniversary of the 1st Divisions mobilization for the Great War.
My friend and fellow battlefield traveler Dudley Heer recently visited the revitalized complex and shared his photos. Below is a selection of his photos. Of course, this is a just a taste of what's available, try to visit Cantigny on your own some day.
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| Doughboy Monument, an Identical Sculpture Stands at Cantigny, France |
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| Renault, FT-17 Tank Used Widely by the AEF |
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| Campaigns of the 1st Division |
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| Doughboy Uniform |
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| Dugout Command Post Scene |
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| Life-size Battle of Cantigny Diorama |
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| Detail of One of the Displays |
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| French 75—Colonel McCormick's Battalion Was Equipped with These |
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| German Uniform of 1918 |
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| Weapons Display Including a French Chauchat and a German Grenade Launcher |
It’s a great place to visit!
ReplyDeleteIf you are a veteran, they offer a free membership card that gives free parking - it may also give a discount at the snack bar. Check out the website before visiting if you are a veteran.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent museum that covers, not only the Great War but also the First Division from the Revolutionary War through World War II and beyond.
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