The 30 Best Local legends in Granite City, Illinois

Welcome to Ruben Mendoza Memorial Located at 1201 Niedringhaus Avenue, Granite City, Illinois, the Ruben Mendoza Memorial stands as a tribute to a soccer legend who not only left an indelible mark on the field but also in the hearts of the Granite City community. Ruben Michael Mendoza (June 2, 1931 – April 11, 2010) was a remarkable soccer forward who dazzled fans and fellow players alike during the 1950s and 1960s, earning four caps with the U.S. national team and representing the country in three Olympic Games.

Discover the Charm of the Statue of Castor Oyl and Bernice the Whiffle Hen Located at 1900 State Street, Chester, Illinois, the Statue of Castor Oyl and Bernice the Whiffle Hen is a delightful tribute to the beloved Popeye comic strip characters created by local cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar. This granite monument is one of 16 unique statues that the city of Chester is proudly displaying throughout its downtown area, as part of a long-term initiative to honor Segar's iconic creations.