Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)

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The Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a 284-feet tall neoclassical oolitic limestone and bronze monument in the center of Indianapolis, Indiana (and Marion County, Indiana). It was erected to honor Hoosiers who were veterans of the American Revolution, territorial conflicts that partially led up to the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the US Civil War. It was designed by German architect Bruno Schmitz, and was completed in 1901. In addition to its external commemorative statuary and fountains, the basement of the monument is the Colonel Eli Lilly Museum, a museum of Indiana history during the American Civil War. There is also an observation deck that can be reached by stairs for free or by elevator for a $1.00 charge.

The monument lies within Monument Circle. The circle did not always host a monument. Originally, it was designated Governor's Circle for the Governor's residence which stood in the center of the brick traffic circle. The outside of the circle is today surrounded by small retail shops, including the South Bend Chocolate Factory, studios for several local radio stations, the Hilbert Circle Theatre (home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), financial institutions, the Columbia Club (one of the oldest social clubs of Indianapolis), and an historic Episcopal Cathedral. The circle is the standard symbol of the city of Indianapolis, and the city's flag is an iconic representation of Monument Circle and the two streets (Meridian and Market) that feed into and out of it. One of Indy's recognizable nicknames, "the Circle City" comes from Monument Circle. At one time, it was illegal to build any building taller than the monument within Indianapolis city limits, although there are now many skyscrapers exceeding its size.

The poem America, Messiah of Nations was written by James Whitcomb Riley for the dedication of the monument and was transformed into a march by John Philip Sousa. Both Riley and Sousa performed the poem and march at the dedication ceremonies.

Though the fountains are not intended for swimming, the city's children rushed into them as part of celebrations for VE day. The announcement of Victory in Europe brought hundreds to the circle and many dove into the fountains. On a much lighter note, the monument served as a spontaneous gathering place for revelers after the Indianapolis Colts won Super Bowl XLI.

Because of its status as a meeting place in the center of the city, several public activities and festivals are scheduled at or near the monument. It is used as a venue for an annual outdoor art display with an Indianapolis 500 theme. During June it plays host to the Chrysler Concourse Grand Prix, a mainstay of the formula one celebrations in Indianapolis.

Every Christmas season the monument is decorated as an enormous Christmas tree. This city tradition is known as the Circle of Lights and has been done annually since 1962. The actual tree lighting ceremony is held the day after Thanksgiving. The decoration of the monument uses 4,784 lights and 52 strands of garland. More than 100,000 people attend the ceremony and the event is televised to an even larger audience.

References

External links

• Soldiers and Sailors Monument website
• Extensive information about the monument (Courtesy of IUPUI)
• Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum

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Last updated on Thursday March 06, 2008 at 19:35:30 PST (GMT -0800)
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