Illinois Monument facts for kids
The monument in 2018
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 Location in Metro Atlanta
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 33°56′04.4″N 84°35′54.3″W / 33.934556°N 84.598417°W |
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| Location | Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Cobb County, Georgia, United States |
| Designer | James Dibelka (architect) Mario Korbel (sculptor) |
| Builder | McNeel Marble Works |
| Material | Bronze Georgia marble |
| Length | 19 feet (5.8 m) |
| Width | 19 feet (5.8 m) |
| Height | 25 feet (7.6 m) |
| Dedicated to | Soldiers from Illinois who fought in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain |
The Illinois Monument is a special memorial found in the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Cobb County, Georgia, United States. It was built to honor the brave soldiers from Illinois who fought in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. This important battle happened during the American Civil War as part of the Atlanta campaign. The monument stands on Cheatham Hill, where some of the toughest fighting took place. It was officially opened in 1914, exactly 50 years after the battle. Mario Korbel and James Dibelka designed this impressive monument.
Contents
History of the Illinois Monument
A Look Back: The Battle and a Special Rescue
On June 27, 1864, a big battle called the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain happened in north Georgia. It was part of the American Civil War and the plan to capture Atlanta.
During this battle, a soldier named Lansing Dawdy was badly hurt. He was an officer in the 86th Illinois Infantry Regiment. A soldier from the Confederate States Army saved him. This happened because the Confederate soldier recognized a special hand signal Dawdy made. Both men were part of a group called Masons.
Lansing Dawdy survived the war. He returned to the battlefield many times later in his life.
Saving the Battlefield: How the Land Was Bought
By 1899, about 65 acres (26 hectares) of land on Cheatham Hill was owned by a person named Channell. This area was already a popular place for visitors. Many people, especially war veterans, wanted to protect this historic land.
In 1899, Lansing Dawdy visited the site with his family. His daughter encouraged him to buy the property. He ended up buying about 60 acres (24 hectares) of land from Channell for $1,000. This happened on December 26, 1899.
A few months later, on February 15, 1900, Dawdy transferred the land to Martin Kingman and John McGinnis.
Building the Monument: A Community Effort
By August 1901, a group called the Kennesaw Monumental Association was formed in Illinois. This group wanted to build memorials on the land. They planned to honor soldiers from Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
This association was also known as the Kennesaw Memorial Association. Later, after 1907, it became the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Association. This group worked to take care of the battlefield.
The association started raising money to build a monument for the fallen Union Army soldiers. However, they didn't raise enough money at first. In 1907, they asked the government of Illinois for help, but didn't get it right away.
Several years later, the Illinois government approved $20,000 for the monument. The total cost, including other markers, was $25,000. The governor of Illinois chose a special team to manage the project. James Dibelka was the architect, and Mario Korbel was the sculptor. The McNeel Marble Works company in Georgia built the monument.
Unveiling the Monument: A Day of Remembrance
The Illinois Monument was officially revealed on June 27, 1914. This was exactly 50 years after the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Sara Sadely, whose grandfather was the supervising architect, unveiled the monument.
Important leaders attended the ceremony. These included Illinois Governor Edward Fitzsimmons Dunne and Georgia Governor John M. Slaton. They both gave speeches about how the country was coming back together after the Civil War.
Local groups held a picnic dinner for everyone. Many veterans of the battle were there. As a souvenir, bullets found on the battlefield were spread around for the veterans to take home.
The Monument's Legacy: Forming a National Park
The Illinois Monument and the 60 acres (24 hectares) around it became very important. They formed the beginning of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The U.S. government took ownership of the property in 1926.
The monument was restored between late 2013 and early 2014. It was rededicated on June 27, 2014. This marked the 150th anniversary of the battle.
Design of the Illinois Monument
The Illinois Monument is made of Georgia marble. It stands 25 feet (7.6 meters) tall. Its base is 19 feet (5.8 meters) wide.
On the front of the monument, there is a bronze statue that is 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall. This statue shows a Union soldier standing at ease. On each side of the soldier, there are two Greek figures. One represents "peace," and the other might represent "victory" or the state of Illinois. A bald eagle sits proudly on top of the monument.
The monument has several important messages carved into it:
- Front: "ILLINOIS / DEDICATED / JUNE 27, 1914"
- Rear: This side explains that the monument was built to remember the Illinois soldiers who died at Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864. It also mentions that Colonel Dan McCook's brigade fought bravely here. They lost many soldiers and held their ground for six days and nights.
- Left: This side lists the "125TH ILL. VOLUNTEER INFTY." and "BATTERY I, 2ND ILL. LIGHT ARTILLERY."
- Right: This side lists the "85TH ILL. VOLUNTEER INFTY." and "86TH ILL. VOLUNTEER INFTY."
The bottom corner on the back of the monument also lists the names of the Illinois governor, the architect, the sculptor, and others involved in building it.
