Detroit Fist: The Little-Known Story Behind the Massive Joe Lewis Fist 


Detroit Fist | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan

It’s impossible to miss The Fist, an imposing 8,000 pound, 24-foot-long bronze sculpture if you are wandering near Detroit’s Hart Plaza. 


History Behind Joe Lewis and the Famous Detroit Fist


Just for a bit, we need to step back in time to when Hitler was marching into Austria.  It was 1938 and German boxer, Max Schmeling was set to box against Detroiter, Joe Lewis, in an epic boxing match. Hitler was certain Schmeling would win. 

Nearly 70 million people anxiously awaited the outcome as they tuned in their radios to listen to the much anticipated fight. 

Americans were on their feet, shouting with pride as Lewis pummeled Schmeling, elevating him to the status of the first African American to become a national hero. What an incredible victory for Joe and our country during such a terrible time.

“What my father did was enable white America to think of him as an American, not as a black,” his son, Joe Louis Jr., told ESPN. “By winning, he became white America’s first black hero.”

Joe Louis became the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949.

Sports Illustrated Magazine was bursting with pride, so they commissioned artist Robert Graham to design the imposing 8,000-lb., 24-foot long work named, “Monument to Joe Louis.”   This magnificent sculpture was poured by the talented bronze artist, Rolf Kriken.  It cost $350,000 and was dedicated in 1986.  



Just in the past 3 years, its breathtaking and thrilling to watch such powerful revitalization efforts happening all over the city and surrounding regions. 

See my article on Matador network about the city's massive efforts

Where is the Joe Lewis Fist Located in Detroit?


The "Monument to Joe Lewis," famously called The Fist, is located in Detroit's Hart Plaza. The address is: 5 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan. 

It's a great place to walk around as it's near the waterfront, the famous Spirit of Detroit and the Renaissance Building.  

Pin the Detroit Fist Page!

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When we were wandering around Belle Isle, I discovered this very cool round abandoned structure. I was reading that it used to be a zoo on Belle Isle in Detroit! You can still see the gates to get into the zoo, some cages and exhibits but it now stands abandoned. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In 1947, the Belle Isle Zoo was downsized to a children’s zoo and finally closed in 2002. Bummer, huh!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #deservetopreserve #abandoned #abandonedzoo #belleisle #belleislepark #detroit #abandoneddetroit #photooftheday #michigan #michigander #michiganphotographer #detroitmi #detroitmichigan #motorcity #detroitcity #detroitdecay #detroit_igers #detroitlove #forgottenplaces #beautyindecay #urbanexploration #urbanexplorers #explore #michiganaddict #detroitgraphiti #urbanexplore #abandonedplaces #beautyindecay #deserve2preserve

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
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