Governor Coles State Memorial facts for kids

The Governor Coles State Memorial is a special monument built to honor Edward Coles. He was an important person who served as the second governor of Illinois from 1822 to 1826. This memorial is also known as the Edward E. Coles Monument or the Governor Coles Monument. It was built almost 100 years ago, between 1928 and 1929.

The memorial features a beautiful bronze picture of Governor Coles, created by a sculptor named Leon Hermant. Today, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency takes care of this historical site. You can find the memorial in the Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville, Illinois.

What is the Governor Coles Memorial?

The Governor Coles State Memorial is a lasting tribute to a key figure in Illinois history. It is made mostly of strong concrete. The memorial's main feature is a detailed bronze portrait of Edward Coles. This artwork helps people remember what he looked like.

The memorial stands tall to remind everyone of Governor Coles's contributions. It is a place where visitors can learn about his life. The site is cared for by a state agency. This group works to protect important historical places in Illinois.

Why Do We Have Memorials?

Memorials are like special markers. They are built to remember important people or events. They help us learn about the past. The Governor Coles Memorial helps us remember a governor who made a big difference. It teaches us about the history of Illinois.

Memorials can be statues, buildings, or even parks. They often tell a story. This memorial tells the story of Edward Coles. It shows how much he was respected.

Who Was Edward Coles?

Edward Coles was a very important leader in Illinois. He served as the state's second governor. A governor is the head of a state's government. They are like the president of a state. Coles was governor from 1822 to 1826.

He was known for his strong beliefs. He wanted to make Illinois a better place for everyone. His time as governor was very important for the state. He helped shape Illinois into what it is today.

Early Life and Important Beliefs

Edward Coles was born in Virginia in 1786. His family owned enslaved people. But Edward Coles did not agree with slavery. He believed it was wrong. He decided to free the people his family enslaved. This was a very brave thing to do at that time.

He moved to Illinois because it was a free state. He wanted to live in a place where slavery was not allowed. His beliefs guided his actions. He worked hard to make sure Illinois stayed free.

Coles as Governor of Illinois

When Edward Coles became governor, Illinois was a young state. One of his biggest challenges was fighting against slavery. Some people wanted to change Illinois into a slave state. Governor Coles worked very hard to stop this.

He led a strong campaign against it. Thanks to his efforts, Illinois remained a free state. This was a huge victory for freedom. He also worked on other important issues. He helped improve education and state laws. His time as governor was very impactful.

Building the Memorial

The idea for the Governor Coles State Memorial came many years after his death. It was built between 1928 and 1929. This means it took about two years to complete. The memorial was created to honor his legacy.

The bronze portrait on the memorial was made by Leon Hermant. He was a talented sculptor. Sculptors are artists who create three-dimensional artworks. Hermant's work captured the likeness of Governor Coles. It is a key part of the memorial's design.

Where is the Memorial Located?

The Governor Coles State Memorial is located in Edwardsville, Illinois. Specifically, it is in the Valley View Cemetery. Cemeteries are places where people are buried. This location makes it a peaceful place for reflection.

The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency looks after the memorial. This agency is responsible for preserving historical sites. They make sure the memorial stays in good condition. This way, future generations can visit and learn about Edward Coles.