“Thank God for Michigan.” That’s what Abraham Lincoln said. These words recognized Michigan’s swift response to his call for volunteers. Right here stands the Michigan Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument. It honors Michigan’s brave men and women who fought in the Civil War.
The Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Association formed in 1865. Governor Austin Blair initiated it. The goal was to gather funds. The funds would erect a monument. It would honor Michigan’s soldiers and sailors killed in the Civil War. Citizens made voluntary subscriptions. Sculptor Randolph Rogers was chosen. He had created similar monuments in Ohio and Rhode Island.
Imagine Detroit on April 9 1872. Generals George Armstrong Custer, Philip H. Sheridan, and Ambrose E. Burnside attended the dedication. The Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument became a focal point.
Rogers designed it with octagonal sections. They rise from the base. Eagles with raised wings sit on the lowest sections. They guide your eyes up. Next, male figures depict the Navy, Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery. These represent branches of the United States Army. Four female allegorical figures rest on pedestals. They represent Victory, History, Emancipation, and Union. These weren’t added until 1881. Local stories say Rogers used Sojourner Truth for the Emancipation statue. But little evidence supports this.
Look for the four plaques. They contain bas-reliefs. The bas-reliefs show Union leaders Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, and Farragut. Atop the monument stands Michigania. It is a heroic Amazon figure, or Victory. She brandishes a sword. She raises a shield ready for attack.
In 2005, a re-dedication ceremony took place. It followed the completion of Campus Martius plaza. The monument’s time capsule was opened. The list of Michigan War Dead was updated. It reflected those killed from the Civil War to April 2005 in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument sits in Campus Martius Park. This park is at the intersection of five principal thoroughfares. These are Woodward Avenue, Michigan Avenue, Monroe Street, Fort Street, and Cadillac Square. The monument was repositioned during the park’s restoration.
The Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument commemorates over 90000 Michigan residents. These residents served in the Civil War. Around 15000 died. Michigan played a big role in the war. They provided troops, supplies, and support to the Union.
The monument is one of Detroit’s oldest monuments. It symbolizes Michigan’s legacy in the Civil War. It’s a place for reflection. It helps us remember the sacrifices made. The Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument has witnessed Detroit’s changes. It remains a steadfast symbol. It embodies the city’s rich history and civic pride. It reminds us of the past. It watches over Detroit’s progress.