New Britain in Capitol Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
World War Monument
To her sons who gave their lives to their community in the World War
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A Monumental Landscape
| | New Britain Historic Walking Trail | |
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 29, 2024
1. World War Monument side of marker
To her sons who gave their lives to their community in the World War
The magnificent composition in front of you is New Britain's tribute to her sons who served and died in World War I. Dedicated on September 22, 1928, this memorial replaced an earlier wooden structure that had been constructed in 1919 at the Main Street entrance to Walnut Hill Park. It has been said that no other celebration in the city has surpassed the dedication of 1928.
This memorial honors the 123 men who gave their lives and the 4,000 local citizens who served in the war. The design is of the Art Deco style, which was the dominant architectural style of the 1920s and 1930s. Rising to a height of 90', the limestone central shaft is resplendent with symbolism. The garlands around the shaft are symbolic of strength and victory, butterflies are emblematic of eternal life, and ivy signifies constancy. The eagles, which sit atop the stone tower, are emblematic of freedom. Bronze plaques with the names of the 123 dead encircle the obelisk.
The memorial sits at the highest point of Walnut Hill Park, at the same spot that Frederick Law Olmsted's park plan had called for a memorial tower.
We dedicate this memorial with gratitude, with sorrow and with pride to theH. Van Buren Magonigle, a leading designer of monuments as well as an accomplished architect and sculptor, was the designer of the memorial. Magonigle was at one time a member of the prestigious architecture firm McKim, Mead and White (who designed New Britain City Hall). He was the author of several books in the field of art and architecture as well as the designer of the granite base of the Elihu Burritt Memorial in Franklin Square.brave men, living and dead, who took up arms at the call of their country. Long may it stand over a city wisely governed, given over to the arts of peace. From benediction given by Charles F. Smith, September 22, 1928
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Magonigle once remarked that his time in New Britain was among the happiest of his life.
[Captions (top to bottom)]
The Roll of Honor names each New Britain son killed in the first Word War. They Gave Their Lives to Perpetuate Peace and Liberty
Moonrise over New Britain's World War monument.
The 1919 temporary memorial and court of honor at the West Main Street entrance to the park, was replaced by the permanent memorial in 1928.
The memorials of Walnut Hill Park
Many monuments are located throughout the city including the Civil War Monument in Central Park, Brigadier
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 29, 2024
2. A Monumental Landscape side of marker
Along West Main Street stands the John F. Kennedy Memorial. The city dedicated the monument on November 22, 1964, exactly two years after the assassination of the 35th President of the United States. One of the President's most inspiring quotes, Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country is engraved on the plaque.
A Salute to Women who supported veterans is directly south of this spot. The polished, black granite monolith was conceived and dedicated by Louis Gentle, who at one time oversaw Veteran's Affairs for the city. His wife and other courageous women, who selflessly supported their veterans, provided his inspiration.
In the middle of the park is the Israel Putnam Stone and Memorial. The 3rd Company Putnam Phalanx placed the inscribed boulder in the park on July 4, 1876. The memorial honors the Revolutionary War hero and the nation's 100th birthday. The composition includes the boulder, a tree, and war cannon.
Ledgers Way is the park entrance off Grand Street. Conceived to honor longtime Parks and Recreation Director, R. Peter Ledger, (who served from 1981-2002) the ensemble features an ornate arbor and meandering, tree-shaded walk
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 29, 2024
3. World War Monument / A Monumental Landscape Marker
Northwest of Ledgers Way is the Father Jerzy Popieluszko Monument. Dedicated on June 11, 1989, the stone and steel structure honors the Polish priest, who advocated for human rights.
Along the park road is the Freedom Grove, a planting of 200 crabapple trees that commemorates the nation's 200th anniversary. The Junior Women's Club of New Britain planted the Grove in 1988.
There are other monuments and memorials in the park as well. How many can you find?
[Captions (top to bottom)]
Ledgers Way a tribute to longtime Parks & Recreation director R. Peter Ledger.
The John F. Kennedy Memorial.
Walk of Life Commemorative Walkway.
Salute to Women a salute to the women at home who support the troops.
Erected by City of New Britain, CT. (Marker Number GR7.)
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Military. A significant historical date for this entry is September 22, 1928.
Location. 41° 39.813′ N, 72° 47.22′ W. Memorial is in New Britain in Capitol Region, Connecticut. It
Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 29, 2011
4. New Britain World War I Monument
Regionally, this memorial is in the Connecticut River Valley, in Greater Hartford, and in the Knowledge Corridor. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Hartford County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Salute To Women (here, next to this marker); New Britain World War I Monument (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of the Hospital / The Rose Garden (about 400 feet away); Zlo Dobrem Zwyciezaj (about 500 feet away); Tales from the City / New Britain Water Department (about 700 feet away); 100 Birthday of Freedom Tree (about 700 feet away); Ye Old State House Step (about 700 feet away); In Memoriam John F. Kennedy (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Britain.
More about this memorial. The Nov. 22, 1964 dedication date given for the John F. Kennedy memorial is one year, not two, after his assassination.
Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 29, 2011
5. Salute To Women Marker
Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 29, 2011
6. In Memoriam John F. Kennedy Marker
Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 29, 2011
7. Zlo Dobrem Zwyciezaj Marker and Human Rights Monument
The Father Jerzy Popieluszko Monument, using his Polish name.
City of New Britain, CT (Public Domain)
8. Israel Putnam Monument
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4, 5. submitted on April 2, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 6, 7. submitted on April 4, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 8. submitted on November 2, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
