Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument

Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. . , At an elevation of 366 feet, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument honors the residents of New Haven who gave their lives in the Revolutionary War, the War of 18 12, the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. In 1882, the city appropriated $50,000 for the monument's construction. Did you know that the original plan was to build it on the town Green? After much competition, it was determined that Moffit and Doyle of New York City would design it and Smith and Sperry of New Haven would build it atop East Rock. Construction began on June 17, 1886 with the first dedication ceremony held on June 17, 1887. The monument was rededicated on September 20, 1987 and again on October 16, 2010, following extensive rehabilitation to both the exterior and interior., Angel of Peace , Standing at 11 feet and weighing 5000 pounds, the angel looks out over the city of New Haven, raising an olive branch and holding a wreath, as an enduring symbol of peace, harmony and hope. What does peace mean to you?, The Shaft , The 110 foot shaft is made of red granite from the Hallowell Granite Company in Maine. Five openings light an iron staircase leading to the observation level. Thirteen stars circle the base, representing the 13 original U.S. colonies. On the observation level, four windows look out to downtown, New Haven Harbor, Long Island Sound and Long Island. Which one looks out in the direction of your home?, The Pedestal , The Pedestal has four bronze bas-relief sculptures that depict scenes from the four wars. There are two plaques on the Northwest and Southeast sides. The inscription "1861-1865 Soldiers and Sailors of New Haven who died in defense of the Union" is followed by a casualty list and is surrounded by regimental badges and flags., The Southwest face honors those who died in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865 and depicts the moment when General Lee surrenders to General Grant at Appomattox Courthouse., The Southeast face honors those who died in the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783 and depicts General Cornwallis surrendering at Yorktown., The Northwest face honors those who died in the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848 and depicts General Winfield Scott entering Mexico City., The northeast face honors those who died in the War of 18 12 from 1812 to 1815 and depicts Commodore Perry on Lake Erie., The Four Virtues , The four bronze female figures that surround the pedestal stand at 9 feet and personify the virtues of: , History Facing West, holding an open book. , Patriotism Facing South, holding a drawn sword. , Victory Facing East, holding a laurel wreath and trumpet. , Prosperity Facing North, a horn of plenty resting on her arm., (caption) As many as 175,000 spectators attended the first dedication ceremony. They lined the streets of New Haven to watch as a parade of 20,000 people marched up to the summit, among them men, women, children, and several military divisions. General William Tecumseh Sherman and General Philip Henry Sheridan, both heroes of the Civil War, were guests of honor at the celebration, which included speeches, live music and fireworks displays., Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History , The Honorable John DeStefano, Jr., Mayor , New Haven Parks and Recreation , Friends of East Rock Park , The New Haven Museum and Historical Society , With thanks to Dan Barvir, Enzo Figueres, Maryann Ott, Stantec, Sally Pallatto, and David Heiser.