Posted in Cleveland July 18, 2017 by Nikki Rhoades

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.

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At the intersection of East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue is the weirdest landmark in Cleveland.

The Free Stamp is adjacent to Cleveland City Hall within the boundaries of Willard Park.

At 28 feet tall and 48 feet long, it has been called the largest rubber stamp in the world.

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.

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.

As a result, it was placed in storage in Indiana for several years. In 1991, BP offered to donate it to the city.

Cleveland politely refused, until BP offered to cover the installation costs.

Today, it is perhaps the most unusual landmark in Cleveland.

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).