History and Culture by Bicycle: Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument

Monday, June 3, 2013

Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument

Timeline:
1861 - The American Civil War begins.
1863 - John M. Corse was promoted to Brigadier General and assigned to the command of the Fourth Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps.
1865 - The American Civil War ends.
1888 - The Soldier's and Sailor's Monument is approved.
1894 - The cornerstone for the monument is laid.
1896 - The monument is completed.
1945 - Because a controversy developed over the location and artistic details it took 50 years for the dedication to take place. It was finally dedicated in 1945.

Iowa artist Harriet Ketcham's design for the memorial is selected over 47 others. She died before the monument was completed and never got to see it dedicated.

Both real and symbolic figures are portrayed. "Victory" is the most prominent figure, topping the 135-foot structure. Four equestrians, all Iowa Civil War Generals are depicted: Marcellus M. Crocker who joined Grant at the siege of Vicksburg; Grenville M. Dodge, who built the railroads to support Grant's army and accompanied Sherman on the "March to the Sea"; Samuel R. Curtis, commander of the Union Army at Pea Ridge; and John M. Corse.

The four soldiers depicted on the upper base represent Iowans who served in the different branches of the military during the Civil War. Infantryman Shelby Norman was the first Iowan killed in battle, he was only 18 years old. Ensign William H. C. Michael, a school teacher turned sailor. Artilleryman Captain Henry H. Griffiths, whose battery never lost a gun throughout the war. Calvaryman Lt. James Horton who was killed while leading a saber charge at the battle of Lovejoy Station.

Iowa had the largest number of soldiers per capita of any state participate in the Civil War, at nearly 80,000 military men. Noted Iowa generals and battle scenes are pictured on the base. the north side portray Iowa as a mother offering nourishment to her children. The south side "History" gazes into the future and "Iowa" is shown as a youngster.

This monument is located on the Iowa State Capitol Complex and is part of the Monuments and Memorials Tour in Des Moines.