Indianapolis is no stranger to iconic pieces of architecture, but when visiting downtown, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a true standout — and not just because of its impressive height that falls just 15 feet short of the Statue of Liberty.
Here’s the history of Indy’s arguably most recognizable landmark.
The history
The State of Indiana constructed the monument in 1902 using gray oolitic limestone sourced from Owen County. Its purpose? To serve as the official memorial for Hoosiers who died in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Frontier Wars, and Spanish-American War.
The symbolism
The iconic design for the monument is courtesy of German architect Bruno Schmitz, whose proposal won out over 70 other submissions. Schmitz also enlisted the help of artist Rudolf Schwarz, who carved sculptures into the base of the monument to represent key themes such as war and peace.
Artist Rudolf Schwarz sculpted pieces for the monument titled “War”, Peace”, “The Dying Soldier”, and “The Homefront”, plus and four statues representing the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, and Navy.
Photo by Todd Fowler via Wikimedia Commons
Further up lies the Army astragal, which depicts the carnage of war with images of cannons, horses, flags, fallen soldiers, eagles, bison heads, and a crest with the stars and stripes. At the top of the monument sits a statue dubbed “Victory,” which was designed by George W. Brewster and acts a symbol of justice, civilization’s light, and freedom.
Finally, surrounding the monument are four statues depicting key Indiana historical figures George Rogers Clark, Governor Oliver Morton, Governor James Whitcomb, and President William Henry Harrison, as well as stone fountains topped with bronze candleabra.
How to visit
While the monument is always available for viewing from the outside, visitors can get up close and personal with this piece of Indiana history — plus see the city from a bird’s-eye view — by visiting its Observation Tower, Thursday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Here’s what you need to know before you visit.
