This Roadside Attraction In Cleveland Is The Most Unique Thing You’ve Ever Seen
Downtown Cleveland is, in a word, funky. Its atmosphere is fueled by the arts — it is characterized by museums, sculptures, and spectacular architecture. However, one massive monument stands out from the rest. Not only is it impressive, but it is unusual, and it’s such an unexpected feature among the skyscrapers and Romanesque halls that you will find yourself doing a double take.
At the intersection of East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue is the weirdest landmark in Cleveland.
The Free Stamp was commissioned in the early 1980s by Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) and intended for display at their headquarters at 200 Public Square, which eventually became known as the BP America Building.
Its proposed location was near the Public Square Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and the word "free" was meant to be a nod to those who served, as well as to emancipation following the Civil War.
The monument was originally designed to stand with its face down, covering the word "FREE." When in this position, the shape would actually mimic the silhouette of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument.
However, before it was completed, Sohio had a change of management at its Cleveland headquarters, and purportedly the new executive disliked the statue. Not only did it seem gaudy, but he felt that it mocked corporate freedom.
Love it or hate it, the Free Stamp has become a unique attraction that you simply can't experience anywhere else.
The Free Stamp is, much like Tower City and the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, a monument that is deeply ingrained in Cleveland’s identity. What are your thoughts on the statue? Let us know what you think of it in the comments!
For another weird Cleveland attraction, check out the outdoor chandelier that’s larger than life (or, at least, larger than any other outdoor chandelier).
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is - she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
