Union Soldiers and Sailors Monument facts for kids
 |
|
| Coordinates | 39°19′25.64″N 76°37′4.17″W / 39.3237889°N 76.6178250°W |
|---|---|
| Location | Wyman Park, Baltimore, United States |
| Designer | Adolph A. Weinman |
| Material | Bronze, granite, marble |
| Opening date | November 6, 1909 |
| Dedicated to | Union military |
| IAS control number 75006034 | |
The Union Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a special statue group in Baltimore, United States. It was made by Adolph Alexander Weinman and stands on a base designed by Albert Randolph Ross. This monument honors the soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union side during the American Civil War.
The statue group shows a few important figures. One is Bellona, who is the Roman goddess of war. Another figure represents Victory. There is also a citizen-soldier who is shown leaving his farm tools, like a plow and anvil, to put on a uniform and sword. Behind Bellona, you can see a fig tree.
The whole group stands on a tall granite base, which is about 12 feet high. This base has two carved pictures, called reliefs. This monument is the only public statue in Baltimore that honors the Union military from the Civil War.
Contents
Monument History
How the Monument Was Built
The idea for this monument was approved by the Maryland government on April 5, 1906. It was officially opened to the public on November 6, 1909. When it was first built, the monument stood in Druid Hill Park.
Moving the Monument
Later, in 1959, the monument was moved to Wyman Park. This move happened because a new highway, the Jones Falls expressway, was being built where the monument used to be. In October 1992, experts checked the monument to see how well it was holding up. Then, on April 9, 1997, the monument had another special ceremony to celebrate its history.
Monument Features
Carvings and Designs
The monument's base has some cool carvings, called reliefs. On the north side, there's a marble carving that shows soldiers on horseback (cavalry) and soldiers on foot (infantry) charging into battle. The carving on the opposite side shows a naval attack, with ships and sailors.
Symbols and Inscriptions
On the back of the base, you can see carvings of a sword, an eagle, a shield, and an anchor. These symbols represent different parts of the military. The base also has a curved bench around it, with cannon-shaped posts.
On this bench, there's a Latin message that says "Scvto bonae voluntatis tvae coronasti nos." This means "You have crowned us with the shield of Your good will." This phrase comes from the official seal of Maryland. The front of the base has a message that explains why the monument was built: "Erected by the State of Maryland to commemorate the patriotism and heroic courage of her sons who on land and sea fought for the preservation of the federal Union in the Civil War 1861–1865."
Images for kids
-
The Union Soldiers and Sailors Monument
