Beneath the Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, imagine the bustling crowds of 1872. This monument honors Michigan’s brave Civil War soldiers. It stands tall in Campus Martius Park.
The Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is among Detroit’s oldest public artworks. It is one of the first monuments to honor Civil War veterans. Governor Austin Blair announced in 1865 that funds would be collected. The funds would erect a tribute to Michigan’s soldiers. Detroit won the right to host the monument.
The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1867. The original plan was to place it in Grand Circus Park. After much debate, Campus Martius became its home. The bronze and granite sculpture was unveiled on April 9, 1872. Some statues were added later in 1881. Generals Custer, Burnside, Sheridan, Wood, and Cook attended the ceremony. Around 25,000 visitors turned out for the event.
The Classical Revival monument stands over 60 feet tall. It cost more than $75,000 to build. Randolph Rogers, an Ann Arbor native, sculpted it. He studied in Italy. Rogers also created bronze doors for the U.S. Capitol. For this monument, Rogers modeled the sculptures in Rome. The bronze was cast in Munich, Germany.
The body is made of Rhode Island granite. The figures are bronze. They rest on octagonal tiers. Four eagles symbolize America and freedom. Above them are statues. They represent infantry, artillery, cavalry, and the Marines. Behind them are medallions of Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, and Farragut. The next tier features Victory, Union, History, and Emancipation.
Topping the Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is a Michigan personification. It is an Indian queen with a winged helmet. She holds a sword and shield. She represents Michigan as strong, proud, and brave. The monument bears the inscription: “Erected by the people of Michigan in honor of the martyrs who fell and the heroes who fought in defense of liberty and union.”
One figure represents Emancipation. She crowns soldiers with wreaths. Some say Sojourner Truth inspired this figure. The monument was added to the state register of historic sites in 1965. It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
After over 100 years, the monument needed restoration. The bronze was green and streaked. The granite base had cracked. In 1986, statues were removed for restoration. The base was repaired. The restoration cost $100,000. A re-dedication ceremony was held that July.
In 1938, a plan threatened to move the Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. Gratiot Avenue was to be widened. The monument would have been moved to Grand Rapids. It stayed put.
In 2003, the Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument was moved 125 feet south. This was part of the Campus Martius reconstruction. It was placed on a granite base with fountains. It was re-dedicated in 2005. Civil War re-enactors participated in the ceremony. A time capsule was opened. The list of war dead was updated.
The Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument honors 90,000 Michigan troops. These troops fought for the Union in the Civil War. It also remembers the 14,823 who died. The monument features four tiers with ornamentation. Eagles adorn the lower sections. Male figures represent the Army branches. Female figures symbolize Victory, History, Emancipation, and Union. The top features an 11-foot Native American warrior. She holds a sword and shield. Plaques depict Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, and Farragut.
The Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument stands as a symbol. It reflects Michigan’s legacy in the Civil War. It is a place of reflection. It remembers the sacrifices made.