Soldier's Monument (Byron, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Soldier's Monument
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The Soldier's Monument is placed directly in the middle of an intersection in Byron, Illinois.
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Chestnut and 2nd Sts., Byron, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1866 |
| Architect | Heard and Lindsley (builders) |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000268 |
| Added to NRHP | February 14, 1985 |
The Soldier's Monument is a special memorial located in Byron, Illinois. It stands in Ogle County, Illinois, and is the only site in Byron that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical spot in the United States.
Contents
What is the Soldier's Monument?
The Soldier's Monument is a tall, pointed structure made of marble. You can find it right in the middle of where two streets meet in Byron, Illinois. It was built a long time ago, in 1866, by builders named Heard and Lindsley.
Changes Over Time
When it was first built, the monument was about 12 feet tall. But in 1877, it was made even taller, reaching 19 feet! Over the years, the monument has had a few other changes and repairs.
For example, in 1897, two cannons were added to the monument, along with a new cement base. Just two years later, a lightning strike hit the monument, causing damage that needed to be fixed.
The Eagle and Its Story
Originally, an eagle statue sat proudly on top of the monument's point. However, in 1918, a strong tornado broke the eagle off. After that, the monument had a new eagle for a while. But when it was time for the most recent replacement, the decision was made not to include the eagle. This was because adding the eagle made the monument much more expensive to build. In 1965, another new cement base was added to the monument.
Why is the Monument Important?
The Soldier's Monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 7, 1984. It's important because it tells a story about the social history of the area. It helps us remember the past and the people it honors.
