Here’s The Story Behind The Massive Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument In Cleveland
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Throughout the United States, travelers may encounter a number of landmarks with the name “Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument.” The name is a catch-all to honor those that have served, but many of these monuments were erected over a century ago to honor those that served in historic wars. Here in Cleveland, our own Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument nods to Cuyahoga County veterans that served in the Civil War… and, boy, does it have a story to tell. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Cleveland is a truly historic landmark in a modern city.
Located in Public Square, this historic monument in Cleveland is hard to miss. It blends in with much of the city's historic architecture, but it has a unique feel that instantly captures interest. Believe it or not, this structure is a mere century younger than the city itself.
The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History reports that it took nearly 15 years of planning to complete this impressive structure. At the time of its construction, it cost $280,000... equivalent to nearly $8.6 million dollars in today's money.
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A bill was passed by the state's General Assembly to formally organize the Monumental Committee, though its representatives were already in negotiation with the city's Park Commissioners to secure a place in Public Square for the statue. It was the most natural place for such a monument, they argued, and the state bill offered them claim to the southeast quadrant of the square.
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Unveiling attendees must have been blown away by this impressive structure. Stone sourced from Medina, Berea, and Amherst provided color variety, and bronze statues added a metallic sparkle.
In modern history, it was found that the names of around 150 Black soldiers were left out of this list. Those have since been added, securing those service members' place in history.
While this may sound intentional, it is likely that this omission was an oversight. The names were compiled by Elizabeth Scofield, the architect's wife, as the state had not yet completed its own roster of Civil War service members. Elizabeth started her research using incomplete records, which likely contributed to the missing names. The era's segregation likely only further complicated the task.
While this may sound intentional, it is likely that this omission was an oversight. The names were compiled by Elizabeth Scofield, the architect's wife, as the state had not yet completed its own roster of Civil War service members. Elizabeth started her research using incomplete records, which likely contributed to the missing names. The era's segregation likely only further complicated the task.
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Scofield, alternatively spelled Schofield, was a veteran himself. He was a Captain in the 103rd OVI, but he was also descended from notable architects. Having trained under his father, Scofield designed many famous structures, including a monument on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse, the Athens Lunatic Asylum, and the infamous Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.
Scofield eventually published a book outlining his experiences as a soldier, but this site tells a story on its own. One of the groupings of statues nods to the Battle of Resaca, and Scofield purportedly selected this scene to honor members of his regiment that were lost during the battle.
One of the interior panels depicts the Northern Ohio Soldiers’ Aid Society and Sanitary Commission, a group of women that supported soldiers by providing supplies, medical expertise, and more. Step aside, Rosie the Riveter; these women were the real patriots in American history.
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Check out the monument website for upcoming tour dates. On select occasions, the tunnels beneath the monument are also open to the public.
While it is a magnificent piece of history on its own, each little piece of this monument contributes to the story that the landmark tells. This is a monument to Ohio soldiers that lived in and around your own community... and to the people involved in the monument's construction, the bloodshed of the Civil War was a recent memory. Today, it immortalizes an era in time that is only infrequently tied back to Ohio.
The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Cleveland has a fascinating history. Have you ever stepped inside this fascinating landmark? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
This landmark is one of the most iconic in Cleveland. Check out our list of iconic Cleveland landmarks for more local places of interest.
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Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, 3 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA