Welcome to Route 66 and the iconic figure known as ‘Chicken Boy.’ As you travel along this historic highway, you’ll encounter a towering statue that is both a cultural icon and a piece of California’s quirky roadside history. Located in Highland Park, Los Angeles, Chicken Boy is often referred to as the ‘Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles.’ This 22-foot tall fiberglass statue, depicting a boy with a chicken head, has been a beloved roadside attraction for decades.
Chicken Boy was originally created in the 1960s, a time when roadside attractions were a booming business in America. He was named after the Chicken Boy restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, where he initially stood proudly. The statue was designed as a promotional tool to draw customers into the restaurant, embodying the playful and sometimes eccentric spirit of advertising in the mid-20th century.
However, as the years went by, the original restaurant closed its doors in 1984, and Chicken Boy was left without a home. The statue was destined for demolition until a local artist and preservationist, Amy Inouye, stepped in to save him. She spearheaded a campaign to preserve this piece of Americana, which culminated in Chicken Boy finding a new home atop her design studio in Highland Park in 2007.
Amy Inouye’s efforts to save Chicken Boy highlight a broader cultural trend of preserving and celebrating the unique roadside attractions that once dotted the American landscape. These landmarks serve as reminders of the golden age of road trips and the vibrant, colorful history of Route 66.
Today, Chicken Boy stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its quirky cultural heritage. He has become a beloved symbol of Los Angeles, inspiring art, stories, and even a line of merchandise. Visitors from around the world stop by to snap photos with this unusual figure, keeping the spirit of Route 66 alive.
As you pass by, take a moment to appreciate not just the statue itself, but the stories and history it represents. Chicken Boy is more than just a roadside oddity; he is a symbol of the creativity and resilience of the communities that cherish these unique pieces of history.
