Soldiers' Monument - Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago, IL - American Civil War Monuments and Memorials on Waymarking.com

"The story of sculpture in Chicago begins in 1876, five years after the great Chicago Fire. That year a soldier's monument in Oak Woods became the area's first public statue."

With these words, James L. Riedy, an associate Professor of Humanities at Truman College of the City Colleges of Chicago, begins his excellent reference work - "Chicago Sculpture," published in 1981. This work has served as a source for many of the listings for the Chicago area in the Smithsonian Inventory. My thumb-worn copy has served me well in learning more about our local public art.

I was able to finally visit this site during a cemetery tour on Father's Day. The sentinel faces north, guarding graves of Union soldiers, whose stones face the east (traditional to face the sunrise.) Four cannons from the Civil War era flank the statue and a pyramid pile of cannon balls are arranged in front.

Inscriptions on the front of the base are difficult to read since the statue is marble and has deteriorated. There is a wreath of victory in which it is inscribed "Soldiers of Illinois" The text below is very worn, but you can make out "Board of Managers" and "Chicago Soldiers Home."

Located Oak Woods Cemetery, 1035 East 67th Street, Lincoln Green section, Chicago, Illinois

It was nice to see that flags were placed at the graves. A very rewarding visit!

Date Installed or Dedicated: 01/01/1876 Name of Government Entity or Private Organization that built the monument: "Board of Managers" of the "Chicago Soldiers Home." Union, Confederate or Other Monument: Union Rating (1-5): Related Website: [Web Link] Photo or photos will be uploaded.: yes

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