Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Cleveland)

Planning (1880–1890) On October 22, 1879, a meeting of Civil War veterans took place in Cleveland, wherein an idea to build a monument was proposed. At this meeting, a resolution was unanimously approved, “to appoint a committee of three, whose duty it will be to formulate a plan for the erection of a suitable monument or memorial to commemorate the Union Soldiers and Sailors of Cuyahoga County.” Shortly thereafter, a convention of the soldiers and sailors of Cuyahoga County was held on October 30.  The 1,200 veterans in attendance discussed the idea of creating a monument and chose a seven-man committee to lobby the Ohio General Assembly for funding. On April 2, 1880, an act was passed through the Ohio State Legislature authorizing the Commissioners of Cuyahoga County to levy a county wide tax for the purpose of, “erecting a Monument or Memorial Tablet commemorative of the bravery and valor of all the Soldiers and Sailors from said county, who were killed in any of the battles fought in the service of the Republic of the United States, or who died from wounds or disease received or contracted in such service, and purchase a suitable site therefor.” In 1886, at a meeting of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Union, an agreement was reached regarding the general design. Some favored a traditional obelisk or shaft, others preferred the idea of a tablet room. Levi T. Scofield, a local veteran and successful architect, was asked to draw up designs and plans for the future structure and proposed a unique combination of the two styles – a tablet room with an obelisk. In September 1901, 36 years after the conclusion of the Civil War, Cleveland hosted the 35th National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was the second time Cleveland hosted the National Encampment, the first being the 6th National Encampment which occurred between May 8 and 9, 1872. The 1901 event saw over 293,000 people travel to Cleveland. President William McKinley – who spoke at the dedication of the monument – was slated to speak at the event upon his return from the Pan-American Exposition occurring in Buffalo, New York. The lavish event was stymied when news of the president's assassination and subsequent death a few days later sent the nation into shock. The monument as well as much of downtown Cleveland was adorned with dark cloth and solemn expressions of mourning. With the turn of the century, the monument remained extremely popular with veterans and many Cuyahoga County residents.  However, its location on Public Square and the uniqueness of its architecture again became the subject of criticism. In 1930, a plan to beautify Erie Street Cemetery recommended moving the monument to the cemetery and subjecting it to an extensive restoration. Although this plan was not undertaken, the structure received its first cleaning in 1932. In 1943, a proposal to construct an extensive subway system with a large central station beneath Public Square threatened the monument's position on Public Square. However, this plan was not pursued. A formal cleaning was again undertaken in 1946. In 1959, a downtown master plan revived the idea of constructing a subway station beneath the square. This would have required the monument to be relocated to the Northwest quadrant. The monument was the scene of protests and demonstrations during the Vietnam War. Restoration and centennial (1980–2000) The explosive demolition of the Cuyahoga and Williamson Buildings in 1982, in order to allow for the construction of the Sohio Building, left the nearly 90 year old monument and her statuaries covered in dust. County architect Berj Shakarian reported in 1983 that over $150,000 would be needed for structural repairs to the monument. As more issues were discovered, the total price tag for these repairs were increased to more than $512,000. Shakarian remained involved with the monument. In 1988, he led the extensive redesign of the southeast quadrant. Shakarian became a trustee of the monument in 2011. The monument's centennial was celebrated on 2 July 1994 with a large ceremony. Prominent Civil War historian James McPherson spoke at the event. Ohio Governor George V. Voinovich also attended the ceremony. Extensive renovation (2008–2010) By 2008, the now 114-year-old structure had begun to show its age. In 2006, the Cuyahoga County Commissioners had recommended a modest $1,000,000 restoration of the structure. However, after further investigation of the needs of the monument, it was determined that $2,000,000 would be needed to complete the project. Under the direction of then Monument Commission President Neil K. Evans, this money was raised from federal, state, and county sources as well as from local corporations, foundations, businesses, veterans’ groups, and private individuals. Work on restoring the original colorization of the interior was assisted by individuals from the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. On June 19, 2019, after more than a decade of extensive research, 107 members of the United States Colored Troops were officially added to the monument's Roll of Honor with a formal ceremony. In 2015, the $32,000,000 proposed renovation of Public Square would result in major changes to the area surrounding the monument. This included revising the four-quadrant, New England–style design originally platted by Moses Cleaveland in 1796. Construction began in March 2015 and was completed officially on June 30, 2016, with the rededication of Public Square. During the 2016 Republican National Convention which was held in Cleveland, the Public Square and the monument were the scene of numerous demonstrations. In 2017, the television show American Ninja Warrior was filmed on the newly redesigned Public Square, just outside the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. On July 4, 2019, the 125th anniversary of the dedication of the monument was celebrated with a ceremony on Public Square. The keynote address was delivered by Major General John C. Harris Jr., adjutant general of the Ohio Army National Guard. The monument remains a popular attraction both for tourists and local residents. Free to visit, around 40,000 visitors pass through the tablet room each year. == Exterior design ==

Architecture The monument serves as a unique example of late 19th century architecture. Architect Levi Scofield wished to create a structure that incorporated traditional architectural elements infused with militaristic imagery and symbolism. The central shaft is composed of Quincey granite and is tall capped with a personification of liberty. Landscaping As part of the original designs of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, the flower beds surrounding the structure were decorated with the insignias of the corps badges used throughout the Civil War, as well as various other military imagery. These designs were maintained in some form for much of the history of the structure until the 1988 redesign of the southeast quadrant which changed the layout and position of the gardens. The more modern shape of the gardens that came out of the redesign of Public Square in 2016 resulted in additional changes to the exterior landscaping. While the corps badge insignias are still included in the designs of the North and West beds, the South and East beds now incorporate other designs such as a G.A.R. badge, a patriotic swoosh, and an anchor. Statuary Groupings The upper esplanade is made of red Medina sandstone and features four large bronze statuary groupings: Mortar Practice, At Short Range, The Color Guard, and the Advanced Guard. The bronze statuary groupings stand atop Berea sandstone pedestals and depict scenes featuring the four branches of the armed forces at the time of the Civil War. in the background Mortar Practice Mortar Practice honors the Navy and features no casualties. It depicts a scene near Island No. 10 on the Mississippi River, where an officer and five men are loading a mortar, in preparation for the shelling of entrenchments. At Short Range At Short Range honors the Artillery. An officer is seen attempting to aim a cannon, unaware that two of his men have fallen. The Color Guard The Color Guard honors the Infantry and is the only statuary that depicts a known battle. Levi T. Scofield, who served in the 103rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, chose to depict the 103rd engaged in the Battle of Resaca, Georgia. This was largely considered to be a Union defeat and the grouping is Scofield's memorial to his regiment and the men lost in the battle. Every figure in this grouping has been killed or wounded. The Advanced Guard The Advanced Guard honors the Cavalry. It depicts a Union detachment that has encountered enemy troops. A Union trooper, still astride his injured horse, is seen firing his pistol at an enemy soldier at point blank range. Another Union soldier is seen aiming his carbine southward. A bugler stands at the edge of the scene, summoning help for the embattled Union soldiers. == Interior design ==

Overview The interior of the monument is designed to serve as a memorial tablet room. It features marble tablets along the outer walls on which the names of the veterans from Cuyahoga County are engraved. The inner walls, which surround the base of the large granite shaft, feature four large bronze panels. The bronze panels include life-size depictions of allegorical scenes relating to the Civil War. Above the bronze panels on the inner walls are a series of medallions which depict notable military figures from throughout the Civil War. Above the memorial tablets on the outer walls sit a series of busts which depict notable individuals from Cuyahoga County who died as a result of their service. Lucy Webb Hayes, first-lady of the United States; as well as a Catholic nun, believed to be a Sister of Charity who is seen dressing the arm of a wounded man. Individuals Depicted (left to right, names as they appear): Mrs. John Shelly, Miss Ellen Terry, Mrs. W.M. Melhinch, Mrs. Benjamin Rouse, Miss Sara Mahan, Miss Mary C. Brayton, Mrs. J.A. Harris, Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes, and Mrs. Peter Thatcher, Unidentified Catholic Nun. The Beginning of the War in Ohio Moving clockwise, the Beginning of the War panel depicts Ohio's three wartime governors, William Dennison Jr., David Tod, and John Brough in the center. Surrounding these men are major generals either from Ohio or in charge of Ohio troops. These include James A. Garfield, Jacob D. Cox, George B. McClellan, William S. Rosecrans, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Quincy A. Gilmore. In the background of the panel, there is a depiction of civilians signing up for military service on the right and, on the left, leaving for war in uniform. Individuals Depicted: James A. Garfield, Jacob D. Cox, George B. McClellan, William Dennison, David Tod, John Brough, William S. Rosecrans, Rutherford B. Hayes, Quincy A. Gilmore. The Emancipation Panel This represents two important pieces of federal legislation: the Emancipation Proclamation and the creation of the United States Colored Troops. Behind Abraham Lincoln stand four major figures from Ohio who fought for emancipation: Joshua R. Giddings, Benjamin Wade, Salmon P. Chase, and John Sherman. Abraham Lincoln, who stands at the center, is seen handing a union rifle to an African-American man named Dan R. Field who is seen being sworn into the Army. The panel faces North. Individuals Depicted: John Sherman, Salmon P. Chase, Dan R. Field, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin F. Wade, Joshua R. Giddings. The Peace-Makers at City Point The Peace-Makers at City Point depicts an allegorical meeting between Abraham Lincoln and his generals and admirals discussing how the war would be brought to an end. Although not all of the men depicted in this panel were in the same place at the same time, the depiction was inspired by an actual council of war that occurred in March 1865 between President Lincoln, General Ulysses Grant, General William Sherman, and Admiral David Porter abroad the steamship called the River Queen near City Point, Virginia. At this meeting that Lincoln expressed his desire for a swift end to the war and magnanimous treatment of the rebels thereafter. General Sherman's aggressive posture in this panel represents his opposition to Lincoln's desires, favoring a much more aggressive strategy. Lincoln stands calmly, contrasting Sherman's stance while Grant stands off to the side. The panel mirrors the well-known 1868 painting called The Peacemakers by George P. A. Healy. Individuals Depicted: George A. Custer, Phillip H. Sheridan, George Crook, Ulysses S. Grant, John A. Rawlins, Abraham Lincoln, Robert T. Lincoln, Mortimer D. Leggett, Wm.T. Sherman, G.K. Warren, George G. Meade, E.O.C. Ord, David D. Porter, A.A. Humphreys Medallions The bronze medallions are affixed to the inner wall above the bronze panels and depict notable Ohioans associated with the Civil War. North Wall • James B. McPherson • Edwin M. Stanton • William Babcock Hazen South Wall • Alvin C. Voris • John Johnson Elwell • John Stephen Casement East Wall • Alexander McDowell McCook • James Blair Steedman • Manning Ferguson Force West Wall • Emerson Opdycke • George Washington Morgan • Charles A. Hartman ==Notable honorees==

studies the names of Civil War veterans engraved on the marble tablets. Roll of Honor • James Barnett – Highest Ranking Officer from Cuyahoga County during the Civil War, Businessman, and Philanthropist – Tablet 27, North Door Bust • Henry D. Coffinberry – Pioneer of the Modern Great Lakes Shipping Industry, President of the American Ship Building Company – Tablet 36 • Henry Kirke Cushing – Prominent Physician, Educator, and Medical Reformer, Father of Harvey Cushing – Tablet 1 • John H. Devereaux – Civil Engineer, Prominent Railroad Executive, Original Purchaser of ''The Spirit of '76'' in which His Son, Henry Devereaux, Modeled as the Drummer – Tablet 36 • Franz Frey – Medal of Honor Recipient for gallantry during the Siege of Vicksburg on May 22, 1863 – Tablet 6 • William Gleason – President of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Commission, Secretary of Cleveland Public Library – Tablet 21 • Marcus Alonzo Hanna – Businessman, Republican Senator from Ohio, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and Close Advisor to President William McKinley – Tablet 20 • Charles Hartman – Cuyahoga County Coroner, Only Union Regimental Surgeon Killed in Battle – Tablet 4 • Simon Perkins – Ohio State Senator and Representative, Business Partner of John Brown, Son of Simon Perkins – Tablet 36 • Jay C. Morse – Co-founder of Pickands Mather & Company, Shipping Agent for Cleveland Iron Mining Company. – Tablet 20 • James S. Pickands – Co-founder of Pickands Mather & Company – Tablet 1 • Franklin Rockefeller – Businessman, co-founder of Union Sulphur Company – Tablet 2 • Levi Tucker Scofield – Prominent Architect and Sculptor, Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Commissioner, First Cleveland Architect to join the American Institute of Architects, Author of The Retreat from Pulaski to Nashville – Tablet 14, South Door Bust • Zephaniah Swift Spaulding – Appointed by President Andrew Johnson to Serve as American Consul to the Kingdom Hawaiʻi, Son of Rufus Spalding – Tablet 5 • Anson Stager – Western Union Executive, Head of the Military Telegraph Department (1861–1868) – Tablet 36 • Randall P. Wade – Businessman, Chief Clerk of Military Telegraph Operations, Son of Jeptha Homer Wade, Father of Jeptha Homer Wade II – Tablet 36 • Charles Whittlesey – Geologist, co-founder and President of the Western Reserve Historical Society – Tablet 4 • Edward P. Williams – Co-founder of Sherwin-Williams – Tablet 12 Soldiers' Aid Society of Northern Ohio • Mary Clark Brayton – Secretary of Cleveland Soldiers' Aid Society, Co-Author of Our Acre and Its Harvest, Co-Organizer of Northern Ohio Sanitary Fair • Rebecca Cromwell Rouse – Philanthropist, Reformer, Founder of the First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, The Cleveland Ladies Temperance Union, and the Protestant Orphan Asylum, Organizer of the Cleveland Soldiers’ Aid Society • Ellen F. Terry – Treasurer of Cleveland Soldiers' Aid Society, Co-Author of Our Acre and Its Harvest, Co-Organizer of Northern Ohio Sanitary Fair ==See also==