Soldiers and Sailors Monument (Watertown, New York) facts for kids
The monument in October 2018.
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| Coordinates | 43°58′29″N 75°54′37″W / 43.97468°N 75.91015°W |
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| Location | Public square in Watertown. |
| Material | granite with bronze statues |
| Height | 50 feet |
| Restored date | 2009-2012 |
| Dedicated to | Civil War sailors and soldiers |
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Watertown, New York is a special statue built in 1891. It honors the brave people from the area who fought in the American Civil War. This monument stands on what used to be the village green, a public space since 1805.
Contents
About the Monument
This monument is made of granite and stands about 50 feet tall. It rests on a raised area of earth and has a 12-foot base.
Statues and Plaques
At the very top, there is a seven-and-a-half-foot-tall statue of Victory. This statue sits on a fancy column and base. On the east and west sides of the monument, you can find bronze plaques with special messages.
On the north side, there is a bronze statue of a soldier. On the south side, there is a bronze statue of a sailor. Both the soldier and the sailor are wearing uniforms from the time of the Civil War. They are standing in a pose called "parade rest."
History of the Monument
The first stone for the monument was placed on Memorial Day in May 1890. A special ceremony was held, and Colonel Albert D. Shaw gave a speech. Many people from the community came to watch.
Dedication Day
The monument was officially dedicated on June 3, 1891, in the Public Square in Watertown. A generous couple, Mr. and Mrs. George Cook, donated $10,000 to help build it.
The night before the unveiling, a huge US flag covered the monument. This flag was 36 feet long! It was once flown in the square when local groups of soldiers left to fight in the Civil War. At the time, it was said to be the largest flag in the state.
Special Messages
The plaques on the monument have important words. They say: "In grateful memory of the Soldiers and Sailors of Jefferson County who fought or fell in defense of the Union and the freedom of man.
This monument to witness that these dead have not died in vain and that through them, under God, this nation had a new birth of freedom."
Keeping it Strong
The monument was cleaned and repaired between 2009 and 2012. During this time, the sailor's missing sword blade was replaced. Experts also checked, and the monument was not leaning.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is part of the Public Square Historic District. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.
Images for kids
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Watertown Herald newspaper report on the monument's completion, 6 June 1891.
