In 1977 a memorial to the beloved cartoon character Popeye the Sailor Man was erected in Chester, Illinois, birthplace of the comic’s creator Elzie C. Segar. The “Home of Popeye” still proudly displays this six-foot, 900 lb. bronze Popeye statue in Segar Memorial Park, overlooking the Mississippi River. And they’ve since added quite a few of his friends!
Popeye the Sailor Man is a cartoon character created by the late Elzie Crisler Segar. He first appeared in the daily King Features comic strip Thimble Theatre on January 17, 1929. This spinach-loving sailor proved to be such a likable character that he eventually took the title role in the comics.
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Cartoonist E.C. Segar was born in Chester, Illinois in 1894 and today, the entire town is devoted to his legacy. The titular Popeye statue is just one of many sculptures around town modeled after characters in the cartoon.
Popeye Character Trail
Dubbed the “Popeye Character Trail” 19 monuments (and counting) have been erected throughout the town that also include Wimpy (2006); Olive Oyl, Swee’Pea, and the Jeep (2007); Bluto (2008); Castor Oyl and Bernice the Whiffle Hen (2009); Sea Hag and Bernard the Vulture (2010); Cole Oyl (2011); Alice the Goon (2012); Poopdeck Pappy (2013); Professor Wotasnozzle (2014); Roughhouse (2015); Four Nephews (2016); King Blozo (2017); Nana (2018); Popeye’s Pups (2019); Toar (2020), Harold Hamgravy (2021), and Oscar (2022).
View the map of where to find them all here!
It’s become tradition for a new statue to be unveiled each year at the annual “Popeye Picnic” – a gathering to celebrate the cartoonist’s legacy.
Visiting to see the Chester Illinois Popeye Statue and all of his friends will certainly have you dancing away singing the character’s favorite tune…
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man,
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.
I’m strong to the finich
Cause I eats me spinach.
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.
Find this bronze sculpture in in Segar Memorial Park, along with the Chester Welcome Center. Be sure to also stop by other Illinois roadside attractions like the Popeye Murals and take a photo at the Wimpy photo op while you’re visiting Chester, Illinois!
This Statue is erected in tribute to Elzie Crisler Segar
Born in Chester, Illinois – Dece. 8, 1894
Died in Santa Monica, California – Oct. 13, 1938
Mr. Segar created Popeye from his recollection of Frank “Rocky” Fiegel – Jan. 27, 1868 – Mar. 24, 1947 – Local scrapper. Popeye first appeared in the cast of “Thimble Theatre” Jan 17, 1929. William “Windy Bill” Schuchert – Mar. 8, 1857 – Feb. 20, 1941 – Chester Opera House Owner and Mr. Segar’s benefactor, appeared as “wimpy” the hamburger fiend.
Popeye Statue in The Home of Popeye
Location: Segar Memorial Park, 10 Truck Bypass, Chester, IL 62233, Chester, IL
Cost: Free to see
Hours: Always Visible
Date of Photos: July 15, 2007
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