Illinois Monuments
Originally
there were regimental markers for all Illinois regiments on the field of
battle. All regimental monuments erected by Illinois were identical in design,
this was so that an observer could easily spot Illinoisan positions on the
battlefield. These monuments were all constructed out of dark Quincy granite.
One regimental monument was special: the 19th Illinois regiment. They raised
extra money for a bas-relief sculpting of Illinois troops rushing Missionary
Ridge. The abundance of regimental markers was not enough for the veterans of
Chickamauga.
There are two
Illinois state monuments on the Chickamauga battlefield. The first was built on
Missionary Ridge in 1897. This monument is 80 feet tall and constructed from
white Barre granite. Sigvald Asbjorn designed this monument with a figure of “Peace” at the top
with olive wreath in her right hand, and an olive branch in her left. The base
is surrounded by 4 bronze figures, each signifying a different branch of the
military.
The second
monument is located on Orchard Knob, the location of General Ulysses S. Grant’s headquarters
during the battle of Chattanooga. This was a monument for all troops that were
unable to participate in the battle and the charge on Missionary Ridge. This
monument is much more like a mausoleum. The figure on top is a private.
These monuments were dedicated on November 23, 1899 at Orchard Knob. $5,000 was appropriated for this ceremony. Taps closed the ceremony, followed by veterans recounting their stories of Illinois in the battle.
Author: Noah Hinton, March 3, 2015
Image Sources:
Reaves, Stacy. A History & Guide to the
Monuments of Chickamauga National Military Park. Charleston: The History Press,
2013.
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