About Monument of States
The Monument of States is a unique roadside landmark located in Kissimmee, Florida, created as a symbol of American unity during the uncertain years of World War II. Standing approximately 50 feet tall, the monument is covered with stones, minerals, and materials sent from communities across the United States and around the world, creating a physical representation of national cooperation.
The idea for the monument originated in 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, when Kissimmee resident Charles B. “Charlie” Grimes wanted to create a lasting symbol of American solidarity. Grimes collected materials from across the country, asking individuals, organizations, and government officials to contribute stones or other objects representing their communities.
Construction began in 1942 under the direction of local builders, with the monument eventually completed in 1943. The finished structure was designed as a tall, pyramid-like tower featuring stones embedded throughout its surface. Contributions came from all 48 states that existed at the time, as well as several U.S. territories and foreign countries.
The materials incorporated into the monument are remarkably diverse. Stones and objects represent places ranging from major cities to remote communities, with contributions including minerals, fossils, petrified wood, and other local materials. The collection reflects the geography and natural resources of the places that participated.
Over the decades, the Monument of States became a local landmark and an example of a unique type of folk monument. Unlike traditional war memorials or government-built monuments, it was created through a grassroots effort involving thousands of individual contributions. Its unusual appearance comes from the combination of many unrelated materials brought together into a single structure.
The monument has changed over time due to weathering, repairs, and restoration efforts. In the early 2000s, the city of Kissimmee restored the landmark to help preserve its historic character and protect the many contributed materials embedded in the structure.
Today, the Monument of States remains one of Florida’s more unusual historic attractions. It represents a specific moment in American history when communities sought ways to demonstrate unity and optimism during wartime. While its design may appear unusual, the monument’s purpose is straightforward: to show how many different places and people could contribute to a shared national identity.
For travelers interested in forgotten landmarks, unusual monuments, and pieces of local history, the Monument of States offers a fascinating glimpse into a time when a small Florida city created a permanent symbol from pieces of the entire country.