Girard in Erie County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Erie County Soldiers' Monument

"Dan Rice Monument"

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 25, 2013

1. Erie County Soldiers' Monument
(north side inscription)

Inscription.
(north side)In memory
of the
Officers and Soldiers
from
Erie County Penn
who have died
in defence of their country
(south side)Erected by
Dan Rice.
Inaugurated
Nov. 1, 1865

Erected 1865 by Dan Rice.

Topics. This monument and memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is November 1, 1865.

Location. 42° 0.046′ N, 80° 19.031′ W. Marker is in Girard, Pennsylvania, in Erie County. Memorial is on Main Street West (U.S. 20) just west of South Park Row (Mechanic Street), in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Girard PA 16417, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Circus History (a few steps from this marker); About This Stone Pillar (within shouting distance of this marker); Charlotte Elizabeth Battles (within shouting distance of this marker); Erie Extension Canal (approx. 3½ miles away); Old State Line (approx. 4½ miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.6 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.8 miles away); Tornado of May 31, 1985 (approx. 7.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Girard.

Regarding Erie County Soldiers' Monument.

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Leonard Volk of Chicago, famous for sculpting one of the two life masks of Abraham Lincoln, was commissioned to sculpt the 27 foot tall pillar. While most monuments being built at this time were obelisks, the artist chose a pillar to signify the "strength" that was demonstrated by the Girard community during the troublesome American Civil War. An eagle sits atop of the monument clutching in its talons a draped American flag. The artist sculpted him looking towards the Northwest, gazing upon Chicago, his home.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Erie County Soldiers' Monument

Also see . . .
1. "Dan Rice Monument" to Civil War Dead Rededicated in Girard. Go Erie website entry:
Commonly known as the “Dan Rice Monument,” the eagle-topped column on a square pedestal of granite and marble in the median on Main Street West was dedicated Nov. 1, 1865, just months after the end of the Civil War. The 27-foot high monument is believed to be the nation’s first to Civil War dead. (Submitted on August 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Erecting The First Monument to the Civil War Dead: Dan Rice and Girard, Pa.’s Place in History. Jefferson Educational Society website entry:
Dan Rice, the best known circus showman of the mid 1800s, had been accused of being a spy for the South early in the Civil War. In March 1865 he discovered a monument being crafted in Chicago. With it he planned to repair his reputation

Erie County Soldiers' Monument<br>(<i>south side inscription</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 25, 2013

2. Erie County Soldiers' Monument
(south side inscription)

as well as bring honor to his current hometown. His plan came to fruition on November 2, 1865, with a grand celebration for the unveiling of the first U.S. monument to the Civil War dead. (Submitted on August 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Dan Rice and Dan Rice Days in Girard, PA. Hagen History Center blog entry (Submitted on November 13, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Erie County Soldiers' Monument (<i>looking southwest</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 25, 2013

3. Erie County Soldiers' Monument (looking southwest)

Erie County Soldiers' Monument (<i>looking northeast</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 25, 2013

4. Erie County Soldiers' Monument (looking northeast)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 431 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.