Peace Monument (Atlanta) facts for kids
Peace Monument (2020)
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 Location in Atlanta Midtown
Location in Atlanta
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 33°47′11″N 84°22′39″W / 33.78649°N 84.37746°W |
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| Location | Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Designer | Allen George Newman |
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The Peace Monument (also known as The Triumph of Peace) is a public statue located in Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It was designed by a sculptor named Allen George Newman. This monument was put up in 1911 by a group called the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard. This group was a militia from the time of the American Civil War. The monument was meant to show that the country was coming back together after the war. Recently, some people have discussed whether the monument should stay, as it reminds some of the "Lost Cause of the Confederacy," a way of looking at the Civil War that many find problematic today.
Contents
History of the Peace Monument
The Old Guard and Their Mission
In 1857, a group called the Gate City Guard was officially started in Atlanta. This group was a local militia, which is like a group of citizens who act as soldiers. They first formed in 1854 to help keep peace and order in Atlanta. Atlanta was known as the "Gate City" back then.
During the American Civil War, the Gate City Guard sent soldiers to fight for the Confederate States Army. After the war ended, the group was broken up. However, it was later started again during a time called the Reconstruction era. It became part of what we now know as the Georgia National Guard.
Around the same time, a special group was formed called the Old Guard Battalion of the Gate City Guard. This group was made up of former Gate City Guard members who were too old to be active soldiers. This Old Guard group traveled a lot across the United States. Their main goal was to help bring the northern states and southern states back together after the war. They wanted to heal the divisions.
Building the Monument
In 1910, as part of their efforts to promote peace and unity, the Old Guard decided to build a statue. They chose Piedmont Park as the location. The next year, in 1911, they hired a sculptor named Allen George Newman from New York City. He was given the job of designing the monument.
The dedication ceremony for the monument happened on October 11, 1911. It was a very big event, with more than 50,000 people coming to see it. Many important people and groups attended. These included the Old Guard State Fencibles and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. The Mayor of Baltimore, James H. Preston, was also there. A large parade marched down Peachtree Street and ended at the park for the ceremony.
What the Monument Looks Like
The Peace Monument shows an "angel of peace." This angel is holding an olive branch, which is a symbol of peace. The angel is standing over a Confederate soldier. The soldier has a gun in his hands. The angel appears to be telling the soldier that peace has been announced. This design shows the idea of peace winning over conflict.
