“Went west” is a very decorous way of describing the mechanized slaughter of the Great War. Today we find ourselves at the Memorial Plaques Walking Path. It’s a poignant reminder of sacrifice.
The Memorial Plaques Walking Path is more than just a path. It’s a living tribute. Dedicated in 1921, this 3.8-mile stretch honors the 568 Hennepin County residents who perished in World War I. Each tree along the path was originally a Moline elm. Each elm was planted as a living memorial. A plaque at the base of each tree bore the name of a fallen hero.
Imagine this path in its early days. Picture Moline elm trees lining the way. They created a solemn space for reflection. In 1921, over 30000 spectators attended the dedication ceremony.
Charles Loring donated money for the trees. He wanted to create a memorial to servicemen and women killed during the war. The parkway provided a somber memorial.
The original wooden crosses and Stars of David marked each tree. They were replaced with bronze markers in 1928. By then, most of the original elms had succumbed to Minnesota winters. Hardier elms took their place.
In 1930, a statue of Abraham Lincoln was added. The Grand Army of the Republic dedicated it to their Civil War comrades.
However, biological threats loomed. In the 1970s, Dutch Elm disease devastated the parkway. The stately elms were replaced with hackberry trees.
In 2009, Victory Memorial Drive underwent a major renovation. A Lake Superior green granite monument replaced the red granite flagpole base. The park board also added flower beds and new trees.
The trees stand in perfectly spaced order. They create a thin curtain of green or brown. The sightlines are remarkable.
Today, as you walk this path, remember its history. Think of the young men and women who “went west.” Consider the evolution of civic memory. The Memorial Plaques Walking Path remains a testament to their sacrifice. It also stands as a reminder of our city’s history.