Gentry Grand Army of the Republic Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gentry Grand Army of the Republic Memorial
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | NE Sec. of Gentry Cemetery, Pioneer Ln., Gentry, Arkansas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1918 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 100001990 |
| Added to NRHP | January 26, 2016 |
The Gentry Grand Army of the Republic Memorial is a special monument found in the northeast part of Gentry Cemetery in Gentry, Arkansas. This monument honors soldiers who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was built in 1918 thanks to the efforts of David Kost, a Civil War veteran. He helped start the local chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) in Gentry.
This memorial is important because it is one of the few monuments in Arkansas dedicated to Union soldiers. Many more memorials in the state honor Confederate soldiers. The monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, recognizing its historical value.
Contents
What is the Gentry Memorial?
The Gentry Grand Army of the Republic Memorial is a tall, stone structure. It is made of limestone and has a classic, old-fashioned design. The monument stands on a square base with steps. Above the base, there are marble panels. These panels are framed by round columns, making the monument look grand.
The top part of the monument is a tall, pointed pillar called an obelisk. It gets narrower as it goes up. At the very top, there is a carved cap and a round knob. Two of the marble panels on the monument have names carved into them. These are the names of soldiers who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
Who Were the Union Soldiers?
The American Civil War was a huge conflict in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). A main reason for the war was the issue of slavery. The Union Army was the army of the Northern states. They fought to keep the country together and to end slavery.
Soldiers from all over the North joined the Union Army. They came from different backgrounds but shared a common goal. The Gentry Memorial specifically remembers some of these brave soldiers.
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a very important group after the Civil War. It was an organization for Union Army veterans. A veteran is someone who has served in the military. The GAR was formed in 1866, soon after the war ended.
The main goals of the GAR were to:
- Help Union veterans and their families.
- Remember the sacrifices made during the war.
- Promote loyalty to the United States.
- Support laws that helped veterans, like pensions.
The GAR became a powerful voice for veterans. They held meetings, parades, and built memorials like the one in Gentry. These memorials helped keep the memory of the Union soldiers alive.
David Kost and the Memorial
The Gentry Grand Army of the Republic Memorial was built because of one man: David Kost. He was a veteran of the Civil War himself. After the war, he moved to Gentry, Arkansas. He wanted to make sure that the Union soldiers were remembered.
David Kost worked hard to organize a local chapter of the GAR in Gentry. This chapter then raised money and planned for the monument. Building a memorial like this was a way for veterans to honor their friends and comrades. It also showed their pride in serving the Union. The monument was completed in 1918, many years after the war ended. This shows how important it was for veterans like Kost to preserve their history.
Why is This Memorial Important?
The Gentry Grand Army of the Republic Memorial is important for several reasons. First, it is a physical reminder of the American Civil War and the soldiers who fought in it. It helps people today understand a key part of U.S. history.
Second, it is one of the few GAR memorials in Arkansas. Many monuments in Arkansas are dedicated to Confederate soldiers. This makes the Gentry Memorial unique and valuable for telling the full story of the war in the state.
Finally, the monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. This is a special list of places that are important to American history. Being on this list means the monument is recognized as a significant historical site. It helps protect the memorial for future generations to learn from and appreciate.
