Lynn Haven in Bay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Union Soldiers Monument G.A.R. Park

Lynn Haven, FL

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2025

1. Union Soldiers Monument G.A.R. Park Marker

Inscription.
Cornerstone Laid, 1920, by Dr. William W. Krape, former Mayor of Lynn Haven, and Post C Commander Stanton Post No. 2 G.A.R. Property donated by William H. Lynn Sr, Town's developer with a stipulation that it would be known as “Grand Army Park”. Contributions were received from almost every state, Lynn Haven Ladies Circle No. 7 G.A.R. and Charles R. Merrill Post No. 9 Sons of Veterans at Lynn Haven. The bronze figure of a Union soldier equipped and armed, cast by the W.H. Mullins Company, was mounted on the masonry pedestal by Francis & David O. Jarvis using the Lynn Haven Fire Departments 1915 Model T. Ford hook and ladder pumper. The Monument was dedicated to the memory of Union Soldiers of the American Civil War Saturday afternoon, February 12th, 1921, the 112th anniversary of President Lincoln's Birthday. The statue has the distinction of being the only Northern Soldier below the Mason Dixon Line, facing north.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Believe It or Not,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

and the The Grand Army of the Republic series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 30° 14.788′ N, 85° 39.111′ W. Marker is in Lynn Haven, Florida, in Bay County. It is at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and West 8th Street, on the right when traveling north on Georgia Avenue. The monument is the centerpiece of Grand Army Park at the southeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lynn Haven FL 32444, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Union Soldier Monument (here, next to this marker); Our Honored Dead

Union Soldiers Monument — G.A.R. Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2025

2. Union Soldiers Monument — G.A.R. Park

The marker is mounted on the base of the south side of the monument.

(a few steps from this marker); First Presbyterian Church of Lynn Haven, FL (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); James M. & Mary Ellis House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jerry & Stella Van Kleeck Home (approx. ¼ mile away); Nina Roberts Van Kleeck House (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. Johnson N. McCartney House (approx. 0.3 miles away); August Brestel Home (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynn Haven.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Union Soldiers Monument G.A.R. Park

Also see . . .
1. Monument Park (City of Lynn Haven).

Excerpt: Union veterans founded Lynn Haven. W.H Lynn, editor of the G.A.R. National Tribune was the driving force in promoting the town. The W.H. Lynn company donated several lots between 8th and 9th Streets and Georgia Avenue to the Ladies Auxiliary of the G.A.R. A hall was soon erected. Once the hall was in place Union veterans, led by Lynn Haven Mayor W.H. Krape began planning a memorial to all Union veterans.
The hall was destroyed by fire in 1916 but work on the memorial continued. Members donated
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2025

3. Marker on north side of Union Soldiers Monument
Monument in memory of the
Union Soldiers
of the
Civil War
1861-1865
———
1920
a small portion of their pensions monthly to the project, and, by 1920 enough money had been raised for construction. The Mullins Company in Salem, Ohio was selected to create a statue of a Union soldier holding a musket. The finished statue was delivered in the same year. He was placed on a pedestal - forty feet above the ground - facing north.
This monument is only one south of the Mason-Dixon Line honoring a Union soldier. It has been featured in Ripley's Believe It Or Not.

(Submitted on April 15, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Local monument has northern roots in Deep South (www.wjhg.com).

(By Ron Marasco, Aug. 15, 2019) Excerpt: On the corner of 8th Street and Georgia Avenue in Lynn Haven sits a very unique monument. “The town was founded by a Union soldier who wanted to develop a community for the veterans of the Great Republic and bring them here right in the middle of the Southland,” said Lynn Haven Mayor Margo Anderson.
The bronze statue is of a Union soldier. He’s forever looking to the North, his homeland. “It's interesting that this is the only Union statue south of the old
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2025

4. Marker on west side of Union Soldiers Monument
Grand Army of the Republic
Mason-Dixon line and that the people of this community have revered the statue," said Anderson. "They've taken care of it through the years.”

(Submitted on April 15, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker on east side of Union Soldiers Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2025

5. Marker on east side of Union Soldiers Monument

The American's CreedI believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies.

Erected A.D. 1920
[The American's Creed was written by William Tyler Page in 1917 and accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918.]

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2025

6. Union Soldiers Monument — G.A.R. Park

Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 15, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.