
Union Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Somerville, Massachusetts
Posted by:
Shorelander
N 42° 23.156 W 071° 05.716
19T E 327523 N 4694753
A monument to Union soldiers and sailors on Central Hill in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Waymark Code: WM3QF9
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 05/04/2008
Views: 34
The public-domain work "Haskell's Historical Guide Book" describes the monument as such:
"A handsome memorial in commemoration of the soldiers and sailors who fought in the civil war was erected by the city on Central hill at a cost of $20,000. Dedication services were held Memorial Day, 1909. The design is artistic, and the replete with suggestions of patriotism, devotion and sacrifice. It represents the Nation’s protection and encouragement to her noble defenders on the land and sea. The chief figures of the statue are of heroic size, emblematic of vigor, determination and valor. They are durable bronze metal, and erected upon a solid base of granite about ten feet in height. A granite wall, two feet high, surrounds the monument, which is approached by three granite steps."
No such granite wall seems to be present anymore. Another source describes the figures atop like so:
"The bronze soldier typifies the glory and strength of the individual citizen who, whether in war or peace, does his duty and makes the nation grand and strong. This bronze female with uplifted hand typifies the protecting care of the flag she holds..."
The monument has the following inscription on the southern side:
UNION
1861 1865
TO THE
MEN
OF
SOMERVILLE
WHO SERVED THE UNION
ON
LAND AND SEA