"The Messenger" was selected by the Public Art Subcommittee in 2002. The committee chose four open- or limited-edition sculptures, all in the "animal" theme, to be placed at City Hall and in the three other City Wards.

The piece, a life-sized American bald eagle with a 78-inch wingspan, is located on the southeast side of City Hall.

Prior to 2007, the Public Art Committee was composed of City Council Members.