Avon in Livingston County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Avon Civil War Monument

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 22, 2020

1. About the Avon Civil War Monument

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In the winter of 1865, the Soldiers' Monument Association of Avon was formed with Calvin Knowles, president, John Marsh, secretary, Stephen Hosmer, treasurer. Their purpose was to raise sufficient funds to erect a memorial that recognized the sacrifice made by Avon soldiers in the Civil War.

In the spring of 1874, the Town of Avon was approached to determine the cost of the monument, and give a report at the next annual meeting in april 1875. Recommendations were made to appropriate $1284, with an additional $3000 added at the next annual meeting.

The accepted design was submitted by Peter Pitkin, a well known designer from Rochester, N.Y. the granite monument rises 45 feet above the base, and is capped with a 7 foot marble statue of a Civil War soldier at parade rest. The monument was raised, the grounds landscaped, and decorated for the dedication ceremony on Memorial Day in 1877.

Pvt. Dennis Buckley, one of the soldiers listed on the monument, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for action during the Battle at Peach Tree Creek, GA., July 20, 1864.

Senator James W. Wadsworth was asked to secure

Avon Civil War Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 22, 2020

2. Avon Civil War Monument

Plaque is at the bottom left of the monument.

Click or scan to see
this page online

decommissioned Civil War cannons to enhance the monument. Four cannons (Parrott rifles) arrived in Avon by rail in 1882. They had been manufactured in 1861 by Robert P. Parrott at the West Point foundry near Cold Spring, N.Y. on April 4, 1882, Calvin Knowles, Avon Board trustee, arranged to have the 4 cannons mounted on granite bearings, one at each corner of the coping, around the base of the monument.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 42° 54.723′ N, 77° 44.727′ W. Marker is in Avon, New York, in Livingston County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (New York State Route 5) and Genesee Street, in the median on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Avon NY 14414, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Albert C. Burke Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Berry's Tavern (approx. 0.6 miles away); 5 Arch Bridge (approx. 1.3 miles away); Ganson's Mill (approx. 1½ miles away); East Avon (approx. 2 miles away); Tuscaroras (approx. 2.1 miles away); Ca-Na-Wau-Gus (approx. 2.2 miles away); Site of Ca-Na-Wau-Gus (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Avon.

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 22, 2020

3. Avon Civil War Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 258 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 22, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.