Columbia in Monroe County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Admiral Memorial Circle
Photographed by Thomas Smith, January 13, 2026
1. Admiral Memorial Circle Marker
Admiral Memorial Circle is a gift to the people of the Community of Columbia from the Sophia and Elmer, Oerter, Charitable Foundation founded by Sophia B Oerter (1908-1992), widow of Elmer F. "Otis" Oerter (1902-1985) for the purpose of honoring Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost and Admiral John P. Weinel, who epitomize the good qualities and achievements of the young men and women of our community who have served in the armed forces of our country to protect freedom and promote social and economic justice throughout the world.
May the accomplishments of Admirals Frost and Weinel bean inspiration to the youth of the Community of Columbia to take full advantage of the educational and social development opportunities that exist in America and to cause them to pursue with self-confidence whatever aspirations they may possess for academic excellence social development and leadership in our community, country and the world.
Erected 1997 by Oerter Charitable Foundation.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Military.
Location. 38° 26.867′ N, 90° 12.746′ W.
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Regionally, this memorial is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Admiral Carlisle A. H. Trost (here, next to this marker); Admiral John P. Weinel (here, next to this marker); American Freedom Fighter and Palestinian Girl (approx. Ό mile away); Gundlach-Grosse House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Monroe Brewery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Gundlach-Wagner House
Photographed by Thomas Smith, January 13, 2026
2. Admiral Memorial Circle Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 16, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
